This episode examines a central question in modern sports governance: who is actually responsible for protecting athletes when sport becomes political? Moving beyond individual experiences, it explores the structural role of federations, international governing bodies, and legal frameworks in shaping athlete protection.

Drawing on expert insight, the conversation unpacks the gap between formal responsibility and practical action, the limits of autonomy, and the growing role of NGOs as first responders. It also highlights how governance structures can both protect and restrict athletes, particularly around freedom of expression and political vulnerability.

Ultimately, this episode argues that athlete protection is not just a welfare issue, but a governance test—one that reveals who holds power, how it is exercised, and where the system continues to fall short.

In this episode of The Sports Governance Podcast, we examine how global sport is governed in times of war featuring Stanis Elsborg, head of Play the Game.

Using the Middle East crisis as a case study, the conversation explores how conflicts disrupt competitions, affect athlete participation, and challenge the idea of neutrality in sport.

From event cancellations to inconsistencies in sanctions, this episode unpacks how power, politics, and risk shape decision-making in global sport governance.

In this solo episode, Younes Filali reflects on two contrasting perspectives from the previous episodes: institutional reform from within the Olympic system, and athlete protection during moments of crisis.

What does it truly mean for sport to be athlete-centred? Is representation in decision-making enough — or does real athlete-centred governance require enforceable protection when athletes challenge the system?

This episode examines the structural tension between voice and vulnerability, autonomy and accountability, and asks how global sport performs when stability gives way to conflict.

This episode marks the beginning of our collaboration with the Iranian Women’s Sports Law Association.

Joined by Olympian and sports lawyer Nikki Dryden, we explore what happens when athletes withdraw from competition during times of political or social crisis. What legal and professional risks do they face? Who steps in when federations fail? And what role can NGOs and international governing bodies realistically play in protecting them?

A conversation on athlete protection, safeguarding, and the governance structures that shape — and sometimes fail — those who take principled stands.

Ahead of the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics, this episode explores what “athlete-centred” governance really means today.

With Sang-Eun Lee, former winter athlete and IOC Young Leader, we discuss athlete voice, gender equity in winter sports, and how change can happen from within the Olympic system.

Global sport is full of rules, ethics codes, and governance frameworks — yet scandals keep repeating.

In this episode, we look beyond who governs sport to ask a harder question: who actually enforces the rules?

From internal ethics bodies to arbitration and external intervention, this episode explores why accountability in global sport is uneven — and why enforcement so often stops before it reaches the top.

This episode explores how authority, autonomy, and power operate beyond the state in global sport — and why governance is ultimately less about ethics than about who decides.

With AFCON approaching in Morocco, questions around legacy and development are back in focus. But what do major tournaments really change for grassroots sport in Africa?

In this episode of The Sports Governance Podcast, Younes Filali speaks with South African sports entrepreneur and IOC Young Leader Jabu Mtwa about sport development across the continent. Using AFCON as an entry point, they explore grassroots realities, youth pathways beyond elite football, and the governance challenges that shape long-term impact.

Drawing on his experience founding Golden City Football Club and leading the Ithuba Lethu Sports Hub, Jabu reflects on why mega-events often fall short — and what needs to change for sport to deliver meaningful development.

President Trump’s visibility around major sporting events — from the UFC to the 2026 World Cup — raises new questions about how political actors use sport to shape public messaging.

In this episode, investigative journalist Karim Zidan joins me to break down the MAGA movement’s relationship with sport, FIFA’s role, and the influence of figures like Gianni Infantino and Dana White.

A concise look at how global sport becomes a stage for political communication.

A clear and accessible introduction to the systems shaping modern sport. We break down what sports governance is, why it matters, who the key actors are, and how decisions off the field influence everything on it. We also explore how governance connects with politics, economics, and society from athlete rights to data, inclusion, and soft power.