FIA gets EU Backing for Campaign Against Online Abuse in Sport
F1 NewsWednesday, 22 January 2025 at 09:39
The FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign has received €400,000 in funding through the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, Formula 1's governing body announced on Tuesday.
The funding supports the coalition’s efforts to address the growing issue of online abuse in sports and will enable a wide-reaching project across EU member states.
Selected from nearly 2,000 applicants, the UAOA initiative was one of fewer than 100 projects awarded funding. Its proposal scored 87 out of 100, highlighting its significance in tackling online abuse targeting athletes, officials, and fans.
The campaign, supported by the FIA Foundation, aims to foster inclusivity and safety within the digital landscape of sport.
Key Objectives of the Project
The Erasmus+ funding will facilitate several critical initiatives:
- Research and Education: Conducting studies at the national level in local languages, launching an EU-wide awareness campaign, and creating educational tools, including a micro-credential in online safety.
- Safeguarding and Capacity Building: Developing a critical incident framework, enhancing the skills of sports organisations, and providing training for stakeholders to counter online harm.
- Technology-Driven Solutions: Employing AI strategies for targeted social media interventions and designing digital tools to prevent and address abuse.
- Inclusivity and Collaboration: Focusing on protecting vulnerable groups and fostering partnerships with governments, NGOs, and sports federations to drive systemic change.
Leadership and Vision
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who founded the UAOA campaign, emphasised the importance of this funding: “This is a significant step in our mission to create a safer digital environment for all in sport. With the EU’s support, we aim to deliver transformative and lasting change.”
He continued, “Sport unites people, and the online space should reflect these values of integrity and inclusion. By addressing online harm through innovation and collaboration, we can uphold these principles. I’m grateful to our partners across Europe for their shared commitment to this vital cause.”
Erin Bourke, UAOA Project Leader, added: “The funding recognises the progress made by UAOA since its inception. The EU has entrusted us with implementing a comprehensive, European-wide project to tackle online abuse in sport. This initiative will equip stakeholders with the tools and support needed to create a safer online environment while working collaboratively with governments and platforms to establish effective frameworks.”
Collaborative Effort Across Europe
The UAOA project, which runs from January 2025 to January 2027, will involve organisations and FIA Member Clubs from six EU countries. The FIA (France) will coordinate the initiative, with support from four Member Clubs:
- Autoklub České republiky (Czechia)
- Zveza za avto šport Slovenije - AS SLO (Slovenia)
- Real Federación Española de Automovilismo (Spain)
- Svenska Bilsportförbundet (Sweden)
The programme will also draw on legal expertise from Clark Hill LLP (Ireland). By collaborating with sports federations, national governments, regulatory bodies, and technology platforms, the campaign aims to implement regulatory and behavioural changes to combat online harassment and hate speech.
A Growing Coalition Aiming for a Safer Digital Future
Since its launch in 2023, the UAOA campaign has conducted pioneering research, launched international campaigns, and brought together key stakeholders to create safer digital spaces. Its efforts have received endorsements from the governments of Greece, France, Slovenia, and several other nations, along with support from organisations such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe.
In December 2024, UAOA released the first Sports Journalist Barometer, detailing the scale and nature of online abuse faced by journalists worldwide. The campaign is set to publish a second edition focusing on the impact of abuse on athletes.
The EU funding marks a significant milestone for the UAOA campaign, solidifying its position as a leader in combating online harm in sport. With a focus on research, education, and collaboration, the initiative seeks to create an online environment where respect and inclusivity thrive.
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