SIGA Asia officially launched in Dubai with Yousef Al Serkal appointed Chair of the Advisory Board

The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) officially launched SIGA ASIA in Dubai during the inaugural Sport Integrity Forum ASIA, hosted by the International Sports & Entertainment Zone (ISEZA) and with the support of the Dubai Sports Council. Alongside SIGA AMERICA, SIGA EUROPE, and SIGA LATIN AMERICA, it becomes a core continental branch of SIGA’s global architecture, leading Sport Integrity efforts throughout Asia.

As part of the launch, H.E. Yousef Al Serkal was appointed Chair of the SIGA ASIA Advisory Board. Al Serkal is a distinguished sports leader with a three-decade track record, including: President of the UAE General Sports Authority; President of the UAE Football Association; Vice-President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC); Vice-President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and Chair of the AFC Competitions Committee (2011–2015), among others.

Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, Co-Founder & Global CEO of SIGA, and Executive Chairman of the newly established SIGA ASIA, addressed the new Advisory Board Chair with words of appreciation and recognition:

“Your Excellency Yousef Al Serkal, you and I have shared many journeys over the years — from the early days of the World League Association to the many efforts that followed to strengthen the global governance of football. I am extremely honoured that you have accepted my invitation to be the Chairman of the Advisory Board of SIGA ASIA. Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and your faith in this cause.”

Following Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros’ opening address, H.E. Yousef Al Serkal reciprocated the words of recognition and pledged to be a pillar of Sport Integrity in the region, stating:

“I am honoured to accept this mission. Dubai is the ideal launchpad for SIGA ASIA — a place where journeys begin and success is built across the Middle East. Together, we will place Sport Integrity at the heart of the region’s priorities.”

Marking the significance of SIGA ASIA’s launch, just 7 months after it was announced in Dubai, Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros added:

“Why SIGA ASIA, why Dubai, why now? — you are probably wondering. Because integrity cannot wait. Because leadership demands action. Because the future of sport deserves to be built here, and now. With the establishment of SIGA ASIA we are not just launching an organization, we are launching a movement.

SIGA ASIA will promote good governance and ethical leadership, build regional capacity through education, training and certification, foster collaboration between public authorities, business and sports organisations, empower women and youth, and benchmark progress through independent verification and rating.

Transparency will strengthen credibility; credibility will attract investment; and investment will create opportunities for athletes, organisations and communities across Asia.”

SIGA ASIA – Dubai Chapter is committed to leveraging the country’s role as a strategic bridge between East and West. Over the next three years, SIGA ASIA aims to establish itself as the trusted reference point for integrity and good governance in the region, create a Regional Integrity and Leadership Institute, become the preferred partner for governments, leagues, federations and businesses committed to Sport Integrity, and act as a bridge and accelerator of cooperation between Asia and the rest of the world. Its agenda aligns with the UAE Vision 2031, advancing innovation, inclusion and sustainable progress through integrity in sport.

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