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EDITORIAL > PREVIEW & VOICES 2025 PLAY FAIR CODE “What matters is what happens on the pitch,” a football coach once said. And that’s exactly how we see our work. “On the pitch” means, for us, providing one2one, hands-on training. This is our greatest asset. And prevention’s success is measur- ed by the footprint it leaves. #NoManipulation Michaela SCHMIDT State Secretary, Ministry of Sport “ As a driving force for integrity in sports, the Play Fair Code is a key part of the national sports landscape and has earned Austria substantial international recognition in sports policy. Integrity in sports is one of my top priorities. Society, the spectators, and especially the athletes deserve that.” Roswitha STADLOBER President Ski Austria Josef PRÖLL Chairman, Austrian Football Assoc. "Given the technical manipulation scandal at the Nordic “As the world’s number one sport, we are unfortunately World Ski Championships in Trondheim last March, it has confronted with the issue of match-fixing time and again. become clear that competition manipulation is a red-hot In Austria, we therefore helped to establish the Play Fair topic in skiing. As Ski Austria and as a founding member Code organization early on, which is a beacon in the of the Play Fair Code, we feel fully prepared in this topic, fight against competition manipulation both nationally having an expert partner at our side advising us as an and internationally. It is therefore critically important to association and training our athletes regularly." support the Play Fair Code and its work. Let’s keep it up!” 2
3 EDITORIAL > CONTENTS WHAT’S NEW? Association & News 4-5 New members Executive Board Training & Projects 6-8 Prevention training Key figures Activities 9-13 National and international appearance International cooperations Technical manipulation Media & Marketing 14-19 #NoManipulation Media snippets #IntegrityWins
ASSOCIATION & NEWS > NEW MEMBERS THE PLAY FAIR CODE IS GROWING A warm welcome to our new members: the American Football Federation of Austria (AFBÖ) and the Austrian Paralympic Committee (ÖPC)! “American football is not only the largest team sport (in terms of team size); fairness and respect are funda- mental pillars of our sport. That’s why joining the Play Fair Code is a logical and important step in the further development of our sport.” Michael ESCHLBÖCK President Austrian Football Assoc. 4 #NoManipulation Michaela SCHMIDT Staatssekretärin BMWKMS „Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est.“ “We are very pleased to be part of the members’ network of the Play Fair Code. Fairness, integrity, and the protection of athletes are at the heart of our actions— values that the Play Fair Code also strongly endorses. In Paralympic sports in particular, a fair and clean environment is especially important, because our athletes are role models far beyond sport. The collaboration with the Play Fair Code is a strong sign of our shared responsibility at all levels.” Maria RAUCH-KALLAT President Austrian Paralympic Committee
ASSOCIATION & NEWS > MANAGEMENT BOARD RE-ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD At this year’s 14th Play Fair Code General Assembly, the current Executive Board under President Friedrich Stickler was unanimously re-elected. The existing committee will be strengthened in the future by Martina Spreitzer-Kropiunik, an Austrian judge ser- ving as an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS/CAS) in Lausanne. Friedrich STICKLER: “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and it is a pleasure to lead the Play Fair Code for another three years together with this executive team. By bringing Martina Spreitzer-Kropiunik on board, we’re gaining a fantastic new colleague who will add much more to the Play Fair Code than simply more (sports) law expertise.” Martina SPREITZER-KROPIUNIK: “I’ve been familiar with the organization’s work for some time and appreciate their innovative and sustainable approach to the topic. Drawing on my experience, particularly as an arbitrator at the CAS/TAS, a member of the EOC Ethics Commission, and a member of the IOC Legal Working Group, I am convinced that I can make a meaningful contribution to future development. The Play Fair Code is an institution, and its name represents a mission!” #IntegrityWins 5 THE CURRENT BOARD President & Vice-President Friedrich Stickler Michael Kuhn Treasurer Nikolaus Schaffer Secretaries Andreas Baumgartner Christian Ebenbauer Board members Martina Spreitzer-Kropiunik Thomas Schweda Auditors Gerald Weiss Helmut Nahlik
TRAINING & PROJECTS > PREVENTION TRAINING #NoManipulation AMERICAN (Tackle & Flag) FOOTBALL 7 TRAININGS TENNIS 2 TRAININGS PREVENTION LEAVES A FOOTPRINT Across 159 training sessions, workshops, and presentations in 2025, we raised awareness among 4,144 athletes and their support networks, nationally and inter- nationally about competition manipulation. This is our core competence, and we are par- ticularly happy to be measured by these figures! BASKETBALL 3 TRAININGS 6
SKIING 1 TRAINING 7 FOOTBALL 39 TRAININGS VOLLEYBALL 19 TRAININGS HANDBALL 27 TRAININGS ICE HOCKEY 38 TRAININGS Click for photo gallery #IntegrityWins
TRAINING & PROJECTS > KEY FIGURES TRAINING FIGURES 159 TOTAL TRAININGS HAND- BALL FOOT- BALL ICE HOCKEY 38 27 39 55 4144 P S T N A P C I T R A S R E H T O I 8 #NoManipulation FACTS & FIGURES COUNTRIES HOTEL NIGHTS 3 6 0 3 4 102 COFFEE-2-GO 412 39 9 127 6800 KEYNOTE SLIDES 4 D E L E V A R T S R E T E M O L I K MINUTES OF TRAINING PFC - THUMBS MACBOOKS
9 INTERNATIONAL IOC FIFA UNODC Play the Game German Sport University Cologne Slovak Football Association German Volleyball Bundesliga ff Click for photo gallery ACTIVITIES > NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCE NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCE NATIONAL Austrian Tennis Championships Upper Austrian Football Association Tyrol Football Association Assoc. for Sport and Physical Culture Sport Austria Finals Sports Betting Academy World Games - Uniform Day Assoc. of Austrian Youth Athletes Criminal Intelligence Service Austria ff #IntegrityWins
#NoManipulation ACTIVITIES > INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONS FOOTPRINTS INTERNATIONAL FIFA - Global Integrity Programme Symbolic image / AI-generated The Global Integrity Pro- gramme is a joint training project of FIFA and the UNODC. The Play Fair Code con- tributed an expert session on the topic of “Educating to prevent match mani- pulation.” DSHS - German Sport University Cologne For the sixth time in a row, Play Fair Code CEO Severin Moritzer delivered a full-day class in Cologne for students in the Sport Management master’s programme, focusing on integrity in sports. 10
ACTIVITIES > INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONS 11 GoC - Group of Copenhagen IOC - International Olympic Committee On behalf of the Austrian Ministry of Sport, the Play Fair Code participated in the 9th meeting of the Network of National Pla orms under the Council of Europe’s Convention against Competition Manipulation (Macolin Convention) in Strasbourg. The Group of Copenhagen unites the representatives of the National Pla orms and functions as an expert network. During the meeting, the Play Fair Code presented its analysis on “technical manipulation in sports” (see also page 13). For the fiffh time, the Play Fair Code participated as a partner organization in the International Forum for Sport Integrity (IFSI), at the invitation of the International Olympic Committee. This time, discussions with inter- national experts centered on how to strengthen cross- sector cooperation between the various fields of integrity. Milestone 2025: Adoption of the Universal Declaration on Integrity in Sport (UDSI). #IntegrityWins
ACTIVITIES > INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONS COOPERATION WITH GERMAN VOLLEYBALL BUNDESLIGA #NoManipulation Click for photo gallery Since the beginning of 2025, the Play Fair Code has been advising and supporting the German Volleyball Bundes- liga (VBL) in the implemen- tation of a new Integrity Management System. Based on a situational analysis prepared by the Play Fair Code, the regulations of the League and the German Volleyball Association (DVV) were first reviewed, then adjusted, and consequently implemented with regard to the relevant provisions. Most recently, at a meeting in the League-Headquarters in Berlin, measures such as the introduction of an Integrity Officer and a reporting facility, as well as a prevention and training programme for athletes, officials, and other target groups were implemented. Daniel SATTLER, CEO of VBL: “Integrity and fairness are core values that define the spotf of volleyball. Together with the Play Fair Code, we are creating the structural and content-related foundations needed to safeguard these values in the long term — through clear processes, concrete measures, and the active involvement of our stakeholders.” Severin MORITZER: “The pioneering role that VBL is taking with its proactive approach and initiative is remarkable. Right from the statf, we felt confident that Daniel Sattler and his team were dealing with the issue in a comprehensive and responsible way to ensure the VBL is well prepared for the future in this field.” 12
ACTIVITIES > TECHNICAL MANIPULATION TYPOLOGY OF COMPETITION MANIPULATION 13 The disqualification of several Norwegian ski jumpers at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim shocked the sports world. But sometimes con- troversy leads to innovation. Building on this, Play Fair Code CEO Severin Moritzer and Portuguese sports lawyer Marta Pires Pinheiro took a deep dive into the topic of “technical manipulation in sports” and authored an article based on the Council of Europe’s Convention against Competition Manipulation (Macolin Convention). The outcome: ROI2 – Return on Integrity ROI2 is a theoretical framework that attempts to measure the added value generated by ethical behavior in sports organizations, taking into account various factors. A currently theoretical concept with great potential for future practical applications that could change the measurement of integrity in sports. ! Corentin Segalen, Chairman of the Group of Copenhagen & Coordinator of the French National Plartorm Click for complete report This work impressively shows that the Macolin Convention is the perfect legal tool for combating technical manipulation! Thank you, Severin and Marta! (Translated from French) 10:20 ✓✓ #IntegrityWins
#NoManipulation © GEPA pictures MEDIA & MARKETING > #NOMANIPULATION RELOADED #NOMANIPULATION Repetition works: During this year’s World Cup test game, the Canadian superstars again displayed our social media claim on their jerseys. Just like in 2024, the Austrian team met the multiple-time World Champion Canada in their last big friendly match before the World Championship in Sweden and Denmark. In the sold-out Vienna Arena, Team Canada once again wore the #NoManipulation statement above the Maple Leaf on their jerseys. Georg WAWER, Managing Director Win2day: “We have a close and trusting partnership with the Play Fair Code, which is why we were very happy to provide space on the Canada jersey for #NoManipulation again this year, in order to draw attention to the significance of this initiative.” Severin MORITZER: “When a partner like win2day shows this level of support, above and beyond simply being a Play Fair Code member and contributing to our events, it deserves the highest recognition. We sincerely thank you for this commitment!” 14 #NoManipulation
MEDIA & MARKETING > #NOMANIPULATION #INTEGRITYWINS ON TOUR 15 As part of this year’s Austrian Bowl, the Federation and the Play Fair Code jointly set an example for clean football. #NoManipulation was repeatedly displayed on the LED boards of the venue during both final games. A peffect complement to the training activities within the federation and the leagues. The fact that Austrian football is both clean and highly successful was demonstrated, among other things, by the men's national tackle football team winning the European Championship title. Congratulations! The Austrian Day of Sport has been a fixed date in our calendar for years. Like in previous years and alongside its partner organizations, 100% Sport (Safe sport) and NADA (NADO Austria), the Play Fair Code had its own information desk on the event venue. Once again, the Play Fair Code was able to bring its core message #NoManipulation and the topic of competition manipulation closer to many visitors from the world of sports and beyond. #IntegrityWins
MEDIA & MARKETING > MEDIA SNIPPETS Click for full video #NoManipulation © GEPA pictures Click for complete article 18
+43 1 90 340, office@playfaircode.at, www.playfaircode.at, Gertrude-Froehlich-Sandner-Strasse 13/6, 1100 Vienna, Austria Association for Protecting the Integrity in Sport Play Fair Code The work of the Play Fair Code is supported by funding from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport. Play Fair Code I BMWKMS/Emilia Schlögl I ÖSV I ÖFB/Christopher Kelemen I Kevin Kada I IOC I GEPA pictures I AFBÖ/David Bitzan Photo Credits: