Ben Sulayem welcomes new boost to global battle against online harm in sport
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has welcomed the Paris Basketball Foundation’s decision to join the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition, calling it another major step forward in the global effort to combat digital harm in sport.
The Paris Basketball Foundation, which supports initiatives related to sport, education, health, mental wellbeing, the environment, and social solidarity, becomes a natural ally of the UAOA coalition. The Foundation’s commitment strengthens ongoing international efforts to protect athletes, officials, volunteers, and fans from online abuse.
Ben Sulayem, who founded the UAOA and also serves as FIA President, emphasized the importance of collaboration in safeguarding integrity and respect within sport.
“Sport has the power to unite, inspire and shape values. To preserve that integrity, we must eliminate online abuse and ensure that respect remains at the heart of every competition,” he said.
“Through the United Against Online Abuse coalition, we are building a global movement to shield athletes, officials, volunteers and fans from digital harm, and to champion mental health across every sport. I applaud Paris Basketball and its Foundation for standing with us to safeguard respect, inclusion and fairness both on and off the court.”
The Paris Basketball Foundation officially signed the UAOA Charter during a special basketball match held as part of France’s Mental Health Information Weeks, reaffirming its dedication to promoting a safe and respectful environment for youth — a vital issue in today’s digital age. The Foundation also organized workshops and events to equip young athletes with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and performance challenges.
Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability, highlighted the broader mental health implications of online abuse:
“Online abuse can have a profound impact on the mental health of young people, athletes and fans alike. Through the United Against Online Abuse campaign, the FIA is working hand in hand with partners like Paris Basketball to build a safer, more inclusive sporting environment for everyone.”
He added that addressing online harm requires a collective global approach, uniting sport, technology, governments, and academia behind a shared mission.
Founded in 2023 by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the UAOA campaign is a research-led initiative supported by the FIA Foundation. The coalition has grown rapidly and was recently honored with Peace and Sport’s Coalition for Peace Award.
By bringing together international sports federations, organizations, governments, and technology platforms, UAOA continues to lead efforts in education, research, and behavioral change — striving to create a more respectful and mentally healthy sporting world.
