Global Sport versus Online Abuse

Over the weekend we saw FIFA commit to using technology to detect and block online abuse aimed at players during the Qatar 2022 World Cup and beyond.  This is a huge move for what is, arguably, the world's highest profile sports event. 

The report that FIFA has launched in conjunction with the UN’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech (supported by global players’ union FIFPRO) was designed to provide a clearer understanding of the the scale and intricacies of online abuse . This study was developed by Signify - using our AI-driven Threat Matrix service. Read the summary report here.  

One theme the report illuminates - and something we have highlighted across multiple sports - is the rise in targeted homophobic abuse. Whilst racism remains a clear and present threat, we have seen signs of improvement in the way that platforms are slowly getting better at identifying it.  That’s partly because racism has populated much of the media landscape over the last year or two - inaction was not an option for the platforms.  Sadly, this is not the case for homophobia – yet! Our hope is that large-scale insight projects like this and other work we have been carrying out - see our recent reports such as our FIFPRO, NBPA + WNBPA study analysing online abuse targeting global footballers and basketball players - will shine a brighter light on these issues, further informing sports authorities and triggering increased action from platforms and lawmakers.

Signify will be publishing several more insight reports throughout Summer 2022, covering a number of global sports. Amongst these, we will be releasing a focused study carried out in partnership with a high-profile Premier League club that will bring shed further light on these emerging themes.

With the rise of homophobic abuse in particular, it is perhaps worth remembering that homosexuality is still illegal in nearly 70 countries. As the globalisation of sport continues at pace, and as athletes increasingly voice opinions on issues that matter to them, we are seeing a perfect storm brewing that will require concerted action not just from the platforms - but from sport and global law enforcement and legislators.  

Signify’s work on these issues is not simply focused on better understanding the problem of online abuse, our aims are to help clients take real world steps to protect their athletes and players - whilst helping the platforms to dramatically improve the current situation.  

From providing our clients with comprehensive information on abusive accounts to pass to the platforms, to putting together evidence packages for clubs to review with law enforcement - Signify’s work is built on real world action. The Premier League club report we will be launching in Summer 2022 will further demonstrate the levels of action open to clubs - including sanctions and bans for the most abusive individuals from attending events. 

This upcoming club report will provide the most detailed analysis of online abuse relating to a single club anywhere in the world – and, perhaps more importantly, show what can be done to make the consequences real for those who abuse, providing a blueprint for other sports clubs, leagues and franchises to follow. 

As we work with more and more sports across the world – such as World Athletics, the International Tennis Federation, US Soccer, WNBPA, the PFA and FIFA, we recognise an opportunity for the industry to really get on the front foot to tackle online abuse.  

To win the battle against online abuse requires a partnership with the platforms and law enforcement, smart use of technology, co-working across and between sports and an approach that makes consequences real and painful for the abuses.  

We hope that organisations like the International Olympic Committee can play a lead strategic role in this too by helping to shepherd sports into cohesive action.  Ultimately, this is about protecting athletes, protecting their mental health and well-being and creating a safe environment where their performance can be maximised. 

The sports industry is getting there and while there is still a long road to travel, we commend FIFA and FIFPRO for committing to what could be a game changer in tackling online abuse.