European Aquatics is proud to announce the introduction of the Sport Transparency Index (STI), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing transparency, good governance, and integrity within European sport. Led by the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) and co-funded by the EU Erasmus+ programme, the STI is set to revolutionise how sports organisations across the continent are assessed and supported in their governance practices.

The STI will evaluate a wide range of professional sports stakeholders—including clubs, leagues, and governing bodies—using a universal 15-indicator framework. This framework will serve as a benchmark for transparency and good governance, applying rigorous, validated standards to ensure objectivity in the evaluation process. Results will be freely available to the public through an accessible online platform, which aims to promote accountability and drive continuous improvement within the sporting community.

Silvia Costa, Head of Aquatics Social Responsibility at European Aquatics, emphasised the significance of this initiative:

“The Sport Transparency Index is a legacy project led by SIGA and includes 11 other full partners. It is designed to benchmark European sport organisations using a 15-indicator framework that evaluates transparency, good governance, and integrity. Through this initiative, stakeholders will not only be assessed but also provided with practical solutions to enhance their practices. The introduction of digital training resources further ensures that organisations of all sizes can improve their governance, regardless of their resources or experience.”

One of the key components of the project is the accompanying Digital Training Package which, from January 2025 onwards, will equip organisations with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve their scores. This package includes an inclusive, accessible online training program designed to help organisations understand and implement the transparency and governance indicators that form the basis of the STI.

The project is set to have the final session on June 18, 2025, with a dedicated event in Brussels. This event will showcase the first evaluation results and include the introduction of knowledge exchange mechanisms designed to support stakeholders in addressing governance gaps.

European Aquatics have already invited European national federations to become Early Adopters of the STI, offering them the opportunity to be among the first to undergo external, confidential assessments and receive tailored training to enhance their governance structures. This initiative will ultimately contribute to a more transparent, accountable, and well-governed sporting landscape across Europe, setting new standards for integrity and good governance in the sector.

For more information on how to follow the progress of the Sport Transparency Index, stay tuned for updates on our website.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.