The formation of the World Anti Doping Agency in 1999 was hailed as a breakthrough in the global fight against drugs in sport. However, despite nations and sporting bodies agreeing to strict testing and compliance standards, the drug scandals have not gone away. Play the Game 2017 asked if WADA is fit for the future or whether it needs deep-seated reform.

More than 450 participants will discuss challenges to world sports in the coming days during Play the Game 2017 in Eindhoven. Although it is no longer taboo to speak about the murkier sides of sport such as corruption and doping, the law of silence still rules in many sports, sounded the warning at the opening of the conference.

Opening address at the 10th international Play the Game conference, 26 November 2017 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands

Only few days before Play the Game 2017 opens, the conference programme offers a few last minute amendments worth noticing.

Amidst all the talk about reform and structural changes in sport, are policy makers paying enough attention to rights of the athletes without whom there would be no sport?

Sexual violence against children and young athletes in sport is a problem that has only in recent years started to be published broadly. Yet, a number of brave victims have now started to stand up to tell their stories publicly, and it is obvious that the problem has existed for way too long.

Whistleblowing has become one of the hottest topics in discussions on sports integrity. Independent voices have been instrumental for disclosing problems of doping, corruption or other types of crime. But who should guarantee the necessary support and protection when whistleblowers are endangered?

“Change or be changed” was the warning the IOC President sent to the sports world when the ‘Agenda 2020’ reform package was adopted. Three years later it is time to ask: Did change actually happen?