Ben Sulayem Hails Paris Basketball for Global Online Safety Boost

Dubai, UAE – 20th October 2025: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has welcomed the Paris Basketball Foundation’s recent decision to join the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition, describing it as a significant step forward in the global fight against digital harm in sports.

The Paris Basketball Foundation, known for its commitment to sports, education, health, mental well-being, environmental sustainability, and social solidarity, aligns seamlessly with the goals of UAOA, making it a natural and valuable partner in the coalition.

“Sport has the unique ability to unite, inspire, and instill values,” said Ben Sulayem, Founder of UAOA and FIA President. “To maintain the integrity of sport, we must eradicate online abuse and ensure that respect remains central to every competition. With the Paris Basketball Foundation standing alongside us, we are further advancing our mission to protect athletes, officials, volunteers, and fans from digital harm, while promoting mental health across all sports.”

The Foundation formally signed the UAOA Charter during a dedicated basketball event held as part of France’s Mental Health Information Weeks, reinforcing its commitment to creating a safe, respectful environment for youth in today’s digital age. As part of this initiative, the Foundation also organized workshops and activities designed to equip young athletes with effective strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and performance pressures.

Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability, emphasized the broader impact of online abuse: “Digital harassment can significantly affect the mental health of young athletes, fans, and sports professionals. Through the United Against Online Abuse campaign, the FIA collaborates closely with partners like Paris Basketball to cultivate a safer and more inclusive sporting environment. Success in this endeavor requires a united global effort—bringing together sport, technology, governments, and academic institutions to champion respect and mental well-being.”

Since its establishment in 2023 by Ben Sulayem, the UAOA campaign has rapidly grown into a research-driven coalition supported by the FIA Foundation. It recently received the prestigious Coalition for Peace award from Peace and Sport, recognizing its efforts to foster behavioural change through education, research, and international cooperation.

By uniting sports federations, governmental bodies, technology platforms, and civil society organizations, UAOA continues to drive a global movement dedicated to safeguarding athletes and fans from online abuse, while promoting mental health, fairness, and inclusion in sports worldwide.