The statement from Russian whistleblower, Grigory Rodchenkov, came a few days ahead of IOC’s decision on the participation of Russian athletes in the Winter Olympics.

On the last day of Play the Game 2017, the biennial Play the Game Award was shared between Yulia and Vitaly Stepanov as well as Hajo Seppelt for their uncovering of the unprecedented doping conspiracy among Russian and international sports leaders.

Athletes have a variety of reasons to fix matches. Play the Game 2017 examined the incentives of the fixers, and discussed new thinking on how to combat the practice.

The working conditions of sports journalists were in focus in a Play the Game 2017 session that shed light on dangers and difficulties when reporting on sports.

Ethnic minorities are clearly under-represented in governance and coaching structures in European football clubs. Women are similarly under-represented.

Play the Game interviewed Arnout Geeraert on the new National Sports Governance Observer and the first results.

Play the Game 2017 delegates had a nice break from the conference halls during the Knowledge Café on Tuesday night that presented new trends in sport in an innovative fashion.

Football’s financing is characterised by shady owners, murky transactions and a lack of transparency. Play the Game 2017 focused on how the rules on investment and ownership are being flouted.