ICSS Group CEO speaks at 2nd Nazaha International Anti-Corruption Conference
‘Education, collaboration and enhanced compliance key to protecting integrity in sport’ says ICSS Group CEO
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 22 February 2017: Speaking today at the 2nd International Anti-Corruption Conference, hosted by Nazaha – the National Anti-Corruption Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Michael Hershman, Group CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), highlighted the importance of enhanced education, international collaboration and compliance in fighting corruption and protecting the integrity of sport.
Hosted under the Patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – and organised by National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha), the 2nd International Conference brought together over 40 global experts and specialists in the fields of governance, transparency, accountability, international cooperation and asset recovery.
During the conference, Michael Hershman, ICSS Group CEO, also met with Dr. Khaled bin Abdulmohsen Al-Muhaisen, President of Nazaha, to discuss how the ICSS and Nazaha can further cooperate in the future in the field of integrity and transparency.
Speaking during a keynote speech about how to strengthen anti-corruption and promote integrity in sport, Michael Hershman, ICSS Group CEO, said:
“Sport is a fundamental pillar within modern society and plays a vital role in the social and economic development of many countries around the world.
“By contrast, corruption has a devastating economic and social impact and can divert much needed funds away from sport and preventing young people from playing and experiencing the joy of sport.
“As an organisation that works to protect and safeguard sport, the ICSS believes in a values-based approach to safeguarding sport and is committed bringing together leading experts, as well as encouraging a coherent, coordinated and global approach to fighting corruption and promoting integrity in sport.
“If trust and confidence is to be restored back to sport then it is vital that athletes, administrators, officials, supporters and other stakeholders at all levels are involved.
“Fighting corruption is a shared and collective responsibility and by developing a united, values-led and multi-sector approach, which is underpinned by education and enhanced compliance and accountability at all levels, can we protect and safeguard sport from the many threats it now faces.”
During a special workshop, entitled ‘Fighting Corruption and Promoting Integrity in the Field of Sports’, Michael Hershman also provided several examples of how sports organisations could strengthen their governance and compliance measures.
Using the Universal Standards of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), which the ICSS is one of 75 international organisations from across all sectors of sport, examples of good governance and compliance cited for sport in the workshop included:
- Establishing comprehensive anti-bribery and corruption compliance policies in line with applicable legislation;
- Implementing clearly defined and transparent policies on procurement and the awarding of broadcasting, sponsorship and other commercial contracts
- Ensuring members of disciplinary and appeal bodies and members of ethics, audit and refereeing committees are independent and impartial
- Term limits for board members and senior executives; and
- Regular training, independent evaluation and skill development in the fields of integrity, governance and compliance
The 2nd International Anti-Corruption Conference, hosted by Nazaha – the National Anti-Corruption Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, took place on 20-21 February.
For more information about Nazaha, please click here
