Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hailed the Paris Basketball Foundation’s decision to join the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition as another key step in tackling digital harm in global sport, beyond motorsport and Formula 1.
The FIA initiated Foundation, which supports initiatives in sport, education, health, and mental wellbeing, signed the UAOA Charter during a special basketball match held as part of France’s Mental Health Information Weeks. The event underlined their commitment to protecting young athletes from online abuse and promoting mental health awareness.
Ben Sulayem, who founded the coalition in 2023, said: “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. Through the United Against Online Abuse coalition, we are building a global movement to shield athletes, officials, volunteers and fans from digital harm.
"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," added Ben Sulayem.
FIA Expands Global Coalition for Respect in Sport
Paris Basketball hosted a series of workshops and events aimed at helping young players manage stress, anxiety and performance-related pressures. FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability Willem Groenewald welcomed the initiative, saying: “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. Winning this battle requires a collective global approach – uniting sport, technology, governments and academia behind a shared mission," added Groenewald.
Supported by the FIA Foundation, UAOA has grown rapidly in recent months and was recently recognised with Peace and Sport’s prestigious Coalition for Peace Award. The campaign now unites international federations, governments, and digital platforms in a global effort to foster respect and behavioural change through education and research.
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