UN report says racism limits access to sport globally

A United Nations report released on Thursday highlights how racism and discrimination continue to limit who can take part in sport worldwide. The study, issued by the UN Office on Sport, documents a range of barriers that disproportionately affect minority and Muslim athletes, including prohibitive participation fees, discriminatory policies against Palestinian competitors, and bans on Muslim women wearing hijabs in certain competitions.

The report notes that high registration and travel costs effectively exclude athletes from low‑income countries, while specific restrictions on Palestinian athletes—such as denied visas or limited access to international events—have been documented by several national sporting bodies. Additionally, several national federations and event organizers have imposed rules that forbid hijabs, citing safety or uniformity concerns, thereby preventing Muslim women from competing in sports where head coverings are customary.

These findings underscore the need for sport governing bodies to adopt inclusive policies and reduce financial and cultural barriers. The UN calls on governments, federations, and sponsors to address these inequities, ensuring that participation in sport is based on merit rather than race, religion, or economic status.