Online Abuse Poses a “Critical Threat” to Sports, FIA Campaign Warns

The FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign has issued a stark warning: sports are facing a “critical threat” as the surge in online abuse risks driving competitors, referees, and officials out of their roles.

The latest UAOA Barometer Report 2025 reveals an alarming escalation in abusive messages, with 50% of federations reporting that referees and volunteers are now experiencing “routine” online harassment. Even more concerning, 90% of federations agree that such abuse could force athletes to leave their sport entirely.

The findings underscore a growing epidemic of online abuse, where athletes and officials alike find themselves under attack. What was once occasional hostility has now transformed into a constant barrage of threats and harassment, leaving many questioning whether they can continue in their roles.

Misogynistic and Racist Abuse on the Rise

Findings from the campaign highlight a disturbing trend:

• Half of all abusive messages directed at athletes are either misogynistic or racist.

• This marks a significant increase compared to the 2024 report, pointing to a worsening crisis.

The report also found that these attacks are not random outbursts but rather systematic and sustained efforts to target individuals. Many athletes report being subjected to abuse within minutes of finishing competitions, with messages ranging from death threats to deeply personal attacks on their families and backgrounds.

Beyond just athletes, 75% of federations have reported ongoing threats against not just competitors but their families as well—a deeply troubling development that underscores the scale of the issue.

This level of abuse has already resulted in numerous athletes stepping away from competition, fearing for their safety and mental well-being. The FIA and other governing bodies are sounding the alarm that if left unchecked, online harassment could dismantle the very foundation of professional sports.

FIA President Sounds the Alarm

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the driving force behind UAOA, condemned the rising abuse, stating:

“Last year, UAOA highlighted the devastating personal toll online abuse has on competitors and athletes. This year’s report exposes the equally unacceptable abuse faced by referees and officials—those who uphold the integrity of sport.”

“While it’s encouraging to see more federations implementing anti-abuse measures, the sheer scale of this problem is still growing. UAOA’s work in 2025 will be vital in fostering collaboration between the sporting, political, and technology sectors to create long-term solutions.”

The FIA is calling for stronger enforcement of anti-abuse policies, urging social media platforms to take immediate action in removing harmful content. Without intervention, the governing body warns that sports may see an exodus of talent, as athletes refuse to subject themselves to relentless harassment.

The Fight Against Online Abuse Intensifies

In response to the crisis, UAOA has:

• Secured €400,000 in Erasmus+ funding from the European Union to expand its research.

• Hosted its first-ever UAOA Conference in Paris, bringing together 65+ global leaders to devise solutions.

• Partnered with leading tech companies to develop AI-driven monitoring systems to identify and remove abusive content more efficiently.

Despite these efforts, many argue that more needs to be done, particularly by social media companies, which critics claim have been slow to address the crisis. While some platforms have introduced new measures to combat abuse, UAOA insists that far stricter penalties and proactive content removal policies are required to truly make a difference.

A Turning Point for Sports?

The need for urgent action has never been greater. With online abuse escalating at an alarming rate, failure to address this issue threatens the very fabric of fair competition. The question remains—will authorities and tech companies step up before it’s too late?

The consequences of inaction are dire:

• Athletes will quit their sports due to overwhelming abuse.

• Referees and officials will be driven away, leading to deteriorating standards of competition.

• Sports organizations will face public backlash for failing to protect their members.

With professional sports on the brink of a crisis, UAOA insists that 2025 must be the year of real change. Governing bodies, tech companies, and policymakers must come together to implement meaningful and lasting solutions.

Why This Matters

This crisis isn’t just about sports—it’s about the dignity, safety, and mental well-being of those who dedicate their lives to competition. If unchecked, online abuse could strip sports of its athletes, referees, and fairness, leaving an irreversible mark on the industry.

It’s time for real action before the damage becomes permanent. The fight against online abuse in sports cannot afford to wait any longer.