Doctor Raffaele Chiulli addressed global sport leaders at the United Against Online Abuse conference in Stockholm last month, calling for united action against digital harassment affecting athletes, officials, and fans across all sporting disciplines.
The UIM President spoke at the September 9 gathering in his capacity as head of ARISF, the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations, which represents 42 international federations including powerboating’s world governing body. Chiulli opened the second annual UAOA conference alongside FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose organisation launched the campaign in 2023.
Cross-Sector Coalition
The Stockholm conference brought together representatives from sport, academia, technology platforms, and government to examine online harassment through research, victim testimony, and policy solutions. Attendees included delegates from The Football Association, Sportradar, and F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham, alongside officials from multiple international sports federations.
ARISF joined the UAOA Charter in 2024, marking a formal commitment to addressing online abuse across the Olympic movement’s recognised federations. The organisation’s participation extends beyond symbolic support, with several member federations attending the conference to share their experiences tackling digital harassment.
No single organisation can tackle online abuse alone. By joining forces across sports, governments, academia, and technology, we can build a safer digital space for everyone involved in sport.
Chiulli’s statement reflected the conference’s collaborative approach to a challenge affecting sporting communities worldwide. The campaign operates on three principles: stronger together, evidence led, and committed to action, focusing on research, education, and policy development.
Global Endorsement
The UAOA coalition has secured endorsements from ten national governments, including France, Greece, Australia, Kenya, and Rwanda. Sports organisations backing the initiative include the FIM, IFAF, International Esports Federation, and Peace and Sport Monaco, alongside institutions such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe.
FIA President Ben Sulayem emphasised the human capacity to address digital challenges at the conference opening. Anna Nordkvist, FIA Vice President for Sport in Europe and CEO of the Swedish Automobile Sports Federation, hosted the event in Stockholm, noting Sweden’s commitment to protecting communities and providing safe environments.
The UAOA campaign builds on research released since 2023 examining the scale and impact of online harassment in sporting environments. The initiative aims to drive both regulatory and behavioural change through awareness campaigns and stakeholder collaboration.
ARISF Leadership
Chiulli has led ARISF since 2013, during which period five sports from the organisation’s membership secured inclusion in the Tokyo Olympics and later the Los Angeles 2028 programme. His UIM presidency, is now in its 18th year following re-election earlier this month in China.
The Rome native holds multiple positions within international sport governance, having previously led GAISF and currently serving on the IOC’s Sustainability and Legacy Commission. His professional background spans the energy sector and academic institutions, including founding SAFE, a centre for energy and environmental management.
Sporting Impact
The Stockholm conference followed UAOA’s inaugural gathering in Paris in May 2024, which featured testimony from athletes including Olympic taekwondo champion Pascal Gentil and rally driver Burcu Çetinkaya, chair of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission. French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra sent a message supporting the campaign’s focus on athlete wellbeing.
Technology platforms, regulatory bodies, and sports organisations continue to explore practical measures for reducing online harassment. The conference examined implementation strategies for creating safer digital environments whilst maintaining open communication channels between athletes, officials, and supporters.
The initiative represents one element of broader efforts across international sport to address challenges affecting participant welfare both on and off the field of competition. ARISF’s involvement brings perspectives from 42 international federations representing millions of athletes across diverse sporting disciplines.
John Moore’s involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
