Georgia Becomes Tenth Nation to Join FIA’s Global Fight Against Online Abuse

In a significant step towards combating online harassment within the sports industry, Georgia’s Minister of Sport, Mr. Shalva Gogoladze, has officially signed the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Charter.

This formal agreement took place during a meeting with the FIA president and UAOA Founder, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, coinciding with the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, joining this influential coalition.

Georgia aligns itself with a global effort composed of governments, sporting organisations, and technology platforms dedicated to addressing the issues of online abuse and hate speech in sport.

Expressing his enthusiasm regarding Georgia’s involvement, FIA president, Sulayem, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Government of Georgia to the United Against Online Abuse coalition.”

“This endorsement underscores Georgia’s leadership in recognising online abuse as a serious threat to the future of sport.

“Together we are building a strong, global alliance that will deliver meaningful change and make sport a safer space for everyone,” Sulayem said.

Conveying his pride in their participation, Georga’s minister of Sports, Mr. Gogoladze, said: “Georgia is honoured to stand with our international partners in the fight against online abuse in sport.”

“Signing the United Against Online Abuse Charter reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting safety, respect, and mental wellbeing for all athletes, coaches, officials, and fans.

“We are proud to support this global movement established by the FIA and to play our part in creating a sporting culture that thrives on safety and inclusivity, both on and off the field,” he said.

President Sulayem and minister Gogoladze highlighted the latter’s dedication to safeguarding athletes and ensuring safe sporting environments.

Georgia becomes the tenth nation to commit to the UAOA initiative, pledging to work collaboratively with the campaign as it seeks to tackle the increasing prevalence of online hate and its adverse effects on mental health, participation levels, and the overall integrity of sport.

The FIA’s UAOA campaign, which is underpinned by rigorous research and backed by the FIA Foundation, has gained rapid momentum since its inception in 2023, the initiative was recognised with the prestigious Coalition for Peace award by Peace and Sport which highlights its ongoing efforts to foster change within the sporting sector.

The UAOA coalition has garnered endorsements from various governments, including Greece, France, Slovenia, Albania, Australia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Namibia, and Rwanda, as well as influential organisations such as ARISF, which represents one million athletes.

Lastly, sports federations such as the FIM, renowned for its 50 World Championships, along with the International Esports Federation, Peace and Sport Monaco, and educational institutions like Dublin City University, have also joined the coalition.

As the governing body for global motor sport, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) remains dedicated to enhancing safety, sustainability, and equality across its domain.

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