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The Ministry of Sports is shining a spotlight on its “Signal-Sports” platform, revealing a significant crackdown on misconduct within sporting organizations. Since its inception in 2019,the platform has been instrumental in flagging nearly 1,200 administrative bans against individuals overseeing sports activities. These measures were primarily triggered by reports of sexual violence submitted through the platform, underscoring a critical effort to safeguard participants.
This impactful report arrives as a new mandate takes effect today. Approximately 330,000 physical adn sporting activity establishments (EAPS) across the nation are now required to prominently display information about the “Signal-sports” unit. This national initiative, launched in 2019, serves as a dedicated channel for reporting violence within the sports realm, ensuring greater awareness and accessibility for those who need it.
As “Signal-Sports” opened its virtual doors to “any person, victim or witness with knowledge of a situation of violence” in a sporting context, the platform has processed a substantial 3,100 reports. The Ministry of Sports confirmed to AFP that these reports have been meticulously analyzed.
Of the total reports received, 2,400 were deemed to fall under the Ministry of Sports’ jurisdiction. The subsequent “treatment” of these cases resulted in departmental prefects issuing close to 1,200 administrative measures.These bans specifically prohibit individuals from exercising supervisory functions, particularly with minors, highlighting the platform’s direct impact on protecting vulnerable populations.
4.4 million Background Checks Conducted
Looking at a more recent timeframe, from January 1 to October 31, 2025, “703 reports were transmitted to the departmental services of the ministry (Departmental Services for Youth, Engagement and Sport) to conduct administrative investigations.” Data from June 2025 reveals a concerning breakdown: 60% of these reports specifically concerned sexual violence, while the remaining 40% addressed psychological, moral, or emotional abuse.
In parallel, the ministry has been proactive on another front. As the implementation of “good repute checks” in 2021, a total of 4.4 million criminal background checks have been performed. Initially focused on volunteer sports educators, these checks have since been expanded to include other crucial roles such as referees and lifeguards, creating a more extensive safety net.
The results of these extensive checks have been stark. Following these investigations, “1,000 individuals were the subject of an administrative measure of removal from the public,” effectively barring them from holding any supervisory or managerial positions at the national level. The ministry described this outcome as an “overwhelming observation,” emphasizing the scale of the issue being addressed.
Minister of Sports Marina Ferrari lauded the initiative, stating, The establishment of the Signal-Sports unit in 2019 was a decisive step in the fight against violence in sport.It constitutes a first essential lever for the liberation of speech.
She further expressed her desire to salute the courage of the victims and witnesses who help us to make sport a space of respect, trust and emancipation.
This sentiment highlights the collaborative effort required to foster a safer and more inclusive sporting surroundings for everyone.
