The former chairmen of FIFA’s Ethics Committee, Hans-Joachim Eckert and Dr Cornel Borbély, together with Dr Marc Tenbücken, a communications expert from Munich, have founded the Zurich-based Sports Governance Unit (SGU). The SGU is to advise associations, clubs, sponsors and governments on issues in the context of good governance, integrity and compliance in sports.

As a matter of fact, international federations and clubs are faced with a growing pressure from external stakeholder groups. Especially fans and sponsors expect more and more transparency and organisational governance standards. What is more, public authorities, mainly politics and in some cases also the judiciary, are now closely monitoring the activities of sports associations and professional clubs. Given this – also in view of the implementation of the European CSR Directive in EU countries – increasingly complex environment, federations need support to successfully meet the growing requirements.

“Today, it is more essential than ever for sports officials to be concerned with questions on ethics and compliance. I am happy to share my experience, gained during my four years as chairman of FIFA’s Ethics Committee”, says Hans-Joachim Eckert. “Sports managers are confronted with considerably higher challenges. We would like to contribute and assist organisations to successfully align themselves and carry out necessary reforms.”

At the SGU, an expert team is available from the fields of law, politics, compliance and the media. The SGU’s services range from analyses and reviews of the status quo to strategy consulting, the implementation of new structures and processes as well as staff training.

• This media release was originally published via email on 16 November 2017. To view the Sports Governance Unit’s internet site, click here.