The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted the first global Guidelines aimed at promoting labour rights and preventing violence and harassment for professional athletes worldwide. The decision was reached on 6 March after five days of tripartite discussions involving government, employer, and worker representatives from the sport sector, marking a significant step toward improving working conditions and protections in professional sports.
The newly adopted Guidelines focus on strengthening fundamental principles and rights at work for athletes and recognize them as workers within the global sports industry. These principles include freedom of association and the effective recognition of collective bargaining rights, the elimination of forced labour, the abolition of child labour, the removal of discrimination in employment and occupation, and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.
Speaking on the development, Nikola Gillhoff, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations and Chairperson of the meeting, noted that the Guidelines represent an important milestone in applying labour standards to professional athletes across different countries and sports disciplines. Frank Hagemann, Director of the ILO’s Sectoral Policies Department, highlighted that the discussions demonstrated how tripartite dialogue can produce practical solutions, particularly in emerging sectors with complex labour conditions such as professional sports.
The Guidelines were developed through consultations among experts from labour and sport ministries, employers in the sport sector, and trade unions representing athletes from various disciplines. They outline practical measures to safeguard child athletes, prevent human trafficking in athlete recruitment, address discrimination in sports, and manage occupational safety and health risks, including violence and harassment both on and off the field.
The Guidelines will be submitted to the ILO Governing Body in November 2026 for approval before being disseminated globally.
