World Athletics

World Athletics is the international governing body for the sport of athletics. It is responsible for the rules, regulations, and global competitions in track and field, marathon, race walking, and other athletic disciplines.

CCI Score

-29.95

April 29

Latest Event

World Athletics to Implement Biological Sex Tests on Female Athletes

World Athletics announced mandatory biological sex tests for female athletes amid growing concerns over trans participation. This policy, revealed on the same day as a federal investigation into Oregon schools, reflects exclusionary practices that align with authoritarian ideologies, undermining inclusivity and fairness in sports.

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ACCOMPLICE

World Athletics is currently rated as an Accomplice.

-20 to -29 CCI Score

These companies profit from authoritarian practices through their business dealings. Although they may not be directly enforcing oppressive policies, their actions contribute to the economic and operational sustenance of authoritarian regimes.

Latest Events

MAR

25

2025

World Athletics to Implement Biological Sex Tests on Female Athletes
-55.00

World Athletics announced mandatory biological sex tests for female athletes amid growing concerns over trans participation. This policy, revealed on the same day as a federal investigation into Oregon schools, reflects exclusionary practices that align with authoritarian ideologies, undermining inclusivity and fairness in sports.
MAR

25

2025

World Athletics Announces Biological Sex Testing Policy for Female Athletes
-45.00

World Athletics has announced a controversial policy to conduct biological sex tests on female athletes in an effort to exclude males from competing in women's categories, a move that has raised concerns over discriminatory practices and authoritarian influence in sports governance.
MAR

02

2024

World Athletics Defends Exclusionary Trans Policy
-43.71

World Athletics, under President Sebastian Coe, doubled down on its policy that bars transgender women who have experienced male puberty from competing in women's events, reflecting a politically-motivated, exclusionary stance that undermines inclusivity and fairness in sports.
-40

Public and Political Behavior

March 26

The policy, defended by World Athletics' President Sebastian Coe, represents a politicized stance that prioritizes a restrictive definition of female competition over inclusive practices. This demonstrates a public and political behavior that aligns with authoritarian, exclusionary ideologies, effectively sidelining the rights of transgender athletes.

World Athletics’ policy limiting trans women participation is ‘here to stay,’ says president Sebastian Coe
-60

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 26

By institutionalizing a policy that excludes transgender athletes, World Athletics has engaged in business practices that lack ethical responsibility. The decision not only undermines fairness and nondiscrimination but also aligns with broader authoritarian tendencies that marginalize vulnerable communities in favor of conservative ideologies.

World Athletics’ policy limiting trans women participation is ‘here to stay,’ says president Sebastian Coe
OCT

10

2023

Embedded Corruption in World Athletics
-59.92

A Financial Times investigation reveals entrenched corruption within World Athletics, raising serious concerns about the organization's ethical integrity and overall governance.
-70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 26

The Financial Times report exposes systemic corruption in World Athletics. This unethical practice undermines trust, transparency, and accountability, which are essential in organizations that should safeguard fair play and democratic values. Such internal corruption can erode the institution’s legitimacy and can indirectly contribute to broader systemic issues that weaken democratic oversight.

Corruption in world athletics 'embedded' - Financial Times
MAY

17

2021

World Athletics Implements Independent Integrity Reporting System
53.87

World Athletics has introduced an independent Athletics Integrity Unit's reporting system to enhance transparency and accountability, thereby strengthening its anti-corruption measures. This aligns with best practices in governance and ethical responsibility as identified in recent academic research on international sports governing bodies.
+80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 26

The implementation of an independent reporting system by World Athletics signifies a proactive commitment to transparency and ethical governance. Such measures help prevent corruption and promote accountability, which are essential to counter potential authoritarian influences. This initiative aligns with the principles of robust business practices and ethical responsibility, as emphasized in research on anti-corruption policies within international sports governing bodies.

Anti-bribery and Corruption Policies in International Sports Governing Bodies