Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally, has today hosted a landmark seminar attended by over 100 FIA members and partners. The online event provided a platform for the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Research Scholars to share progress on their innovative projects which are generating critical new insights into underexplored aspects of online abuse in sport. 

Described by FIA President and UAOA Founder Mohammed Ben Sulayem as “showcasing the very best of the FIA,” the scholarship programme, funded by the FIA Foundation and delivered in collaboration with Dublin City University, features four researchers from the UK, Italy, Mexico and South Africa. Each scholar is addressing distinct and urgent challenges in the online abuse landscape, contributing valuable data and perspectives to shape global policy and practice. 

The seminar was attended by a wide range of FIA stakeholders, including members of the Senate, World Motor Sport Council, FIA University, Member Clubs, officials, and staff. The four scholars - Kimberley (United Kingdom), Maria (Italy), Ana (Mexico), and Roshni (South Africa) - presented compelling updates on their research, which spans gender, governance, education and culture within the context of online abuse. 

• Kimberley is exploring the impact of sexism and misogyny in motorsport fan communities, focusing on how such behaviours affect the social identities and experiences of female fans. 

• Maria is examining the nature, patterns and social implications of online abuse in Italian football, drawing attention to the cultural and systemic factors that fuel hostility. 

• Ana is assessing the role of educational initiatives in sport as preventative measures, with a focus on how awareness and training can be mobilised to reduce harm. 

• Roshni is analysing governance responses to online abuse, identifying current approaches taken by sporting bodies and highlighting opportunities for policy innovation and stronger regulatory frameworks. 

Each project is being accredited through a Masters by Research at Dublin City University, and together the scholars are laying the groundwork for a more robust, inclusive and actionable evidence base to inform change across sport and digital governance globally. The UAOA campaign is committed to translating this research into real-world solutions, working with its broad international coalition of governments, sport organisations, and technology platforms. 

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, UAOA Founder and FIA President said: 

“I’m pleased that the FIA has united today to celebrate this powerful scholarship programme and to learn more about these insightful research topics. By supporting this initiative, the FIA is not only addressing the root causes of online abuse in sport but also equipping itself with the tools and strategies needed to combat it effectively. 
This programme exemplifies the very best of what the FIA stands for, ensuring that motorsport delivers a positive legacy and contributes to a more respectful and inclusive future for sport worldwide.” 

Dr Gary Sinclair, Associate Dean of Internationalisation at Dublin City University said: 

“This scholarship programme is a vital step in expanding the research base on online abuse and amplifying voices from across the globe. DCU is proud to support these talented scholars and to collaborate with the FIA in producing world-leading research that will have real impact across the sporting landscape.” 

The FIA’s ‘United Against Online Abuse’ (UAOA) campaign is a research-led coalition dedicated to tackling online abuse in sport founded by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and supported by the FIA Foundation. Recently awarded Peace and Sport’s prestigious Coalition for Peace award, UAOA brings together sports federations, national governments, regulatory bodies, and technology platforms, aiming to foster regulatory and behavioural change to combat the rise of online harassment and hate speech.  

To date, the UAOA coalition has welcomed endorsements from the Governments of Greece, France, Slovenia, Albania, Australia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Namibia and Rwanda, alongside sport federations and organisations such as FIM, the International Esports Federation, ASETEK SimSports, Peace and Sport Monaco, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, Clark Hill LLP, Arwen.AI and DCU University.  

ENDS 

For media enquiries please contact UAOA Communications Co-ordinator Omar Sharif: osharif-consultant@fia.com 

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.