Sport Above Politics founder Dr. Astrit Hasani fully supports the recent statements made by the IOC President Kirsty Coventry, which emphasize the need to respect the autonomy of sport. Her words resonate deeply with the core values that we stand for in our mission to keep sports free from the influence of political agendas.

Sport, at its heart, is about uniting athletes, regardless of nationality, religion, or political belief.

When we allow politics to intrude upon sport, we risk undermining the very foundation of what makes it powerful and transformative.

Hence, the IOC President’s call for the European Union and governments to respect the autonomy of sporting organizations is not just a plea for neutrality but it’s a call for the preservation of the integrity of sport itself.

Political interference has the potential to undermine the fairness and global unity that sport represents. Whether it is in the Olympic Games or other international events, athletes should be judged solely by their talent, hard work, and character and not by the politics of their countries.

As part of our initiative, we are committed to ensuring that sports remain an arena for human achievement and mutual respect, rather than a battleground for political interests.

We urge leaders, policymakers, and all involved in the governance of sport to stand firm in protecting this principle, as outlined by our IOC President Coventry. The autonomy of sport is non-negotiable, and we must continue to foster a world where sport is a force for good, above all politics.

Dr. Astrit Hadani
Founder of the “Sport Above Politics” Initiative