Pantheon-Sorbonne University Trophy

Doha – Qatar, Mar 18, 2013: The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and the Paris 1 University Pantheon-Sorbonne have announced the Badminton World Federation as the beneficiary of the ICSS-Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University Trophy.

The ICSS-Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University Trophy for ‘outstanding achievement in promoting sport integrity’ was presented to Thomas Lund, Secretary General and Chief Operating Officer of the Badminton World Federation for their swift and resolute action in banning four Badminton doubles teams from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for match fixing.

Speaking at a Gala Dinner hosted on Day one of Securing Sport 2013, Secretary General Thomas Lund said: “The BWF is honoured to receive the ICSS-Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University Trophyfor outstanding achievement in terms of promotion of core integrity principles in our sport – badminton.

“No sport wishes to have its integrity and commitment to proper ethical behaviour tested. However, when such incidents arise, it’s essential to stand firm and take appropriate action. The BWF would have liked to avoid the Olympic disqualifications altogether but we are confident that, as the world governing organisation for badminton, we took the right decision given the circumstances.”

BWF President Dr. Kang Young Joong said: “The London 2012 case has definitely been a learning curve for the BWF and we are committed to doing what it takes to ensure this never happens again. Being recognised by the ICSS and theParis 1 University Pantheon-Sorbonne today gives us further assurance that our sport upholds the right values.”

Mohammed Hanzab, President of the ICSS, said: “It gives me enormous pleasure to present the inaugural ICSS-Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University Trophy for ‘outstanding achievement in promoting sport integrity’ to the Badminton World Federation for showing us all at the Olympic Games last year that courageous decisions with immediate consequences are not only necessary but highly effective in dealing with integrity challenges.

The criteria for the trophy were:

• Demonstration of clear action in dealing with an integrity breach

• Speed and decisiveness of action taken

• Clear commitment to integrity

• Example to other sport federations

• Positive commitment to integrity demonstrated to fans

This trophy is the launch for collaboration between ICSS and the Paris 1 University Pantheon-Sorbonne with the aim to create next year an official price for Integrity. —- By Will Shand, Doha – Qatar.