The European Leagues, represented by the Belgian Pro League, participated last week in the third meeting of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group on “Hate Speech in Sport,” organised by the Council of the European Union under the EU Work Plan for Sport 2024–2027. The OMC group aims to provide non-binding recommendations to relevant stakeholders to reduce occurrences of online hate speech in sport.
During the meeting, Member States engaged on key topics related to hate speech in sport, with the European Leagues participating as a Permanent Observer alongside other stakeholders, including FIFPRO and UEFA.
The objectives of the group focus on two main themes:
- Influence of social media and prevention of online verbal abuse
- Manifestations of verbal and physical violence during sport events
The work of the OMC group provides Member States and stakeholders with a framework for cooperation, exchange, and sharing of good practices, both within and beyond sport. Sport itself can contribute to social integration and promote values such as tolerance, equality, fair play, and solidarity.
At last week’s meeting in Brussels, the European Leagues received updates on the work of four sub-groups, covering legal and policy frameworks, analysis of hate speech manifestations, identification of best practices, and future actions. The OMC group will now enter its conclusive phase, consolidating its research and findings in a report expected in the second quarter of 2026.
The fight against online abuse remains a priority for all member leagues. European Leagues’ involvement in this initiative builds on the work already undertaken by its dedicated Stadia Safety and Security and Sustainability working groups, which are actively addressing these issues at national level.
The Belgian Pro League, in particular, has shown strong commitment to this topic, launching its Guide on Online Hate Speech and Harassment in June 2024. This initiative sends a clear signal to clubs and stakeholders about the importance of tackling online abuse and provides practical methodologies and examples of best practices for doing so.