Online abuse in sports worldwide has reached a crisis point, with half of all reported cases classified as either racist or misogynistic, according to a new report.
Key findings from the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) 2025 Barometer reveal that 75% of sports federations report ongoing threats against competitors and their families. Additionally, 90% of federations agree that unchecked abuse risks driving athletes away from sports. Alarmingly, 50% of federations report that volunteers and officials are now routine targets, broadening the scope of the crisis.
These statistics highlight the escalating threat of online abuse to athletes, referees and officials. This alarming trend not only damages individuals but also jeopardises the future of sports and the principles of fair and safe competition.
Founded by the FIA and supported by the FIA Foundation, UAOA is at the forefront of the global fight against online abuse. The coalition’s latest findings, unveiled during the FIA Officials Summit at Circuito de Madrid Jarama – RACE by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, emphasise the urgent need for systemic change. The data serves as a wake-up call for sports federations, technology platforms and policymakers to implement concrete solutions to eliminate online abuse in sports.
RISING ONLINE ABUSE IN SPORTS
With the increasing prevalence of high-profile online attacks, these statistics serve as a call to action for governing bodies, technology companies, and policymakers worldwide. UAOA collaborates with leading academics and international sports organisations – such as World Athletics, World Aquatics and the International Esports Federation – to raise awareness, track trends and address legal gaps that enable online abuse to persist.
“Last year, UAOA highlighted the devastating personal toll online abuse has on athletes. This year’s report has exposed the equally unacceptable targeting of referees and officials – key figures who uphold the integrity of sports,” stated FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “While progress has been made in implementing anti-abuse measures, the scale of the problem continues to grow. UAOA’s work in 2025 will be instrumental in fostering collaboration across the sporting, political, and technology sectors to develop meaningful, lasting solutions.”
STRATEGY TO COMBAT ABUSE
The growing prevalence of online abuse threatens the integrity of sports at every level, noted the report. However, through decisive action from UAOA and its partners, the global sporting community has an opportunity to protect its athletes, referees, and officials from digital harassment. As sports federations, policymakers, and tech companies unite to tackle this crisis, one thing remains clear. The fight against online abuse is not just about protecting individuals – it’s about preserving the future of fair, safe and inclusive competition.
In response to these urgent findings, the UAOA is spearheading a global movement to combat online abuse. Key initiatives for 2025 include:
- A groundbreaking EU-backed anti-online abuse initiative across Europe.
- A major international conference in North America in the summer of 2025, bringing together global leaders to develop actionable solutions.
- Expansion of coalition partnerships – currently at 28 members, including nine national governments and leading sports federations.
Click here to download the full report FIA UAOA report.
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