Can whistleblowing achieve positive results?

Azeem Rafiq, who spoke out against discrimination he suffered while at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, admitted to Arab News he was not familiar with the concept of whistleblowing when he first spoke out. (Reuters/File Photo)
Short Url
Updated 15 March 2024
Follow

Can whistleblowing achieve positive results?

  • Azeem Rafiq, who spoke out against discrimination he suffered while at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, admitted to Arab News he was not familiar with the concept of whistleblowing when he first spoke out

LONDON: On Nov. 8, 2021, Lord Patel, then chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, issued a statement in which he thanked Azeem Rafiq for “his bravery in speaking out. Azeem is a whistleblower and should be praised as such ... Let me be clear from the outset, racism or discrimination in any form is not banter.”

In conversation with Azeem, he admits to not being familiar with the concept of whistleblowing when he first spoke out. According to UK law, a whistleblower is a worker who exposes illegal, illicit or dangerous activity happening in their workplace. This excludes reporting of personal grievances at work unless exposure is in the public interest. Although Azeem had left Yorkshire when he made his disclosures, it could be argued that they have relevance to the general public.

Historically, the majority of whistleblowing cases appear to have related to the world of politics. Famous examples include Watergate and President Nixon’s authorization of illegal break-ins in 1972, Ralph Nader’s exposure of unsafe practices in the US auto industry in 1965 and Frank Serpico, who publicly reported in 1971 on corruption in the New York Police Department. In the past 50 years, areas of exposure have spread to corporate malpractices, environmental issues, irregular behavior by financial institutions and publication of misleading data.

It is only fairly recently that whistle-blowing cases of bullying, discrimination, sexism and racism have gained greater public traction. More channels of communication have opened up through social media and public hearings, coupled with the provision of legislation by policymakers designed to provide protection for whistleblowers.

In December 2019, the EU Whistleblowing Directive came into force. It was designed to create a minimum standards framework so that member states could establish effective, confidential and secure reporting channels to protect whistleblowers from fear of retaliation. Protection applies only to reports of wrongdoing relating to EU law. Companies with more than 50 employees and public-sector institutions are obliged to set up suitable internal reporting channels. It has taken four years for all but two member states to adopt the minimum standards into national law.

In 2019, the National Whistleblower Center, based in Washington DC, estimated that about 60 countries had dedicated whistleblowing legislation in place. This number will have been swelled by the action of EU member states. There is a large absence of legislation in northern, western and central Africa, Central America, the Gulf and Southeast Asia.

The focus of recent legislation on the need to protect whistleblowers from retaliatory action is designed to create an environment in which potential whistleblowers feel more secure to make disclosures. However, after Azeem Rafiq made his allegations, he was subject to significant retaliatory action from which he received little, if any, protection. This seems to be so because, as a personal grievance, his case sat outside of the relevant UK law relating to whistleblowing. Fear of retribution and the risk of letting down the side may explain why reported examples of whistleblowing in sport are limited.

In 1998, Marc Hodler, a Swiss member of the International Olympic Committee, accused a group of members of the IOC of taking bribes from the committee organizing the bid by Salt Lake City to host the 2002 Winter Games. Ten members of the IOC were suspended and another ten were sanctioned.

In December 2021, Simon Lorimer wrote a formal whistleblower complaint to the chief executive of FINA, the body responsible for administering aquatic sports. He alleged that Zhou Jihong of China manipulated and bullied judges in diving events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Zhou was forced to apologize.

Sport and cricket have not been free of unethical behavior. Scandals relating to match-fixing, corruption, doping, bribery, money-laundering and illegal gambling have all occurred, with proof to match. This is hardly surprising, given the substantial revenue streams involved and the inconsistent governance standards in place. Other scandals have involved sexual harassment, inequality, racism and bullying. On top of this exists a multitude of stakeholders, including national governments, multinational businesses, administrative bodies, individual clubs, gambling businesses, non-profit organizations and the general public.

Within this maelstrom, it can be difficult to see how the integrity of sporting endeavour and competition is to be maintained. Sport is, or should be, values-driven. Ethics, honesty, respect for rules/laws, respect for others, healthy competition, are central. If these are removed, can a sport be worthy of that name? It is incumbent on those who perceive that these values are being sullied to speak out without fear. This should be underpinned with not only legal protection but also the protection of a sporting culture that does not allow or encourage the type of opprobrium that Azeem Rafiq has received from some of his former peers.

One of the outcomes of Azeem’s experience has been the creation of whistleblowing hotlines throughout cricket in England and Wales. Yorkshire County Cricket Club quickly established one in November 2021 when the club’s management changed. Other counties have followed suit. The England and Wales Cricket Board established an independent game-wide system in February 2022. There have been other initiatives regarding, for example, equality, diversity and inclusion, reviews of dressing-room cultures and abusive crowd behavior.

Ultimately, it will be impossible to distinguish between measures introduced directly as a result of Azeem’s disclosures and those that may have happened anyway, but not as quickly. If the legal definition of a whistleblower cannot be applied, then there is another concept which surely does, that of the “disagreeable giver,” a term first used by psychologist, Adam Grant. Such people challenge entrenched behaviors and do not shy away from difficult conversations or controversy, despite personal cost.

However, they are not solely disruptors or critics. Above all, they seek to effect positive change, acting, perhaps unconsciously initially, as catalysts to achieve better structures in place of those that they have found to be wanting. It may be the case that, already, Azeem, without protection, has effected change by virtue of having people in unlikely corners of cricket accept that “it is not banter, it is racism” — and that it is not acceptable.


Hattan Alsaif returns for 2025 PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh

Updated 13 sec ago
Follow

Hattan Alsaif returns for 2025 PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh

  • Saudi amateur will face three-time Lebanese MMA champion Nour Al-Fliti
  • Welterweight champion Omar El-Dafrawy to face Daniele Miceli in main event

RIYADH: The Professional Fighters League on Wednesday announced the full card for PFL MENA 2, to be held at Riyadh’s Green Halls arena on Friday, July 4.

In the main event, 2024 PFL MENA welterweight champion Omar “God First” El-Dafrawy (13-5-0) returns to the city of his title win to face 2024 PFL Europe welterweight finalist Daniele “The Cyborg” Miceli (13-6-0) in the SmartCage.

The co-main event features a welterweight clash between Kuwaiti Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1-0) and Palestinian Omar “187” Hussein (11-6-0). Alaqraa, a 2024 PFL MENA finalist and current division leader, is seeking redemption after suffering the first loss of his professional career in last year’s finals. Hussein, a former PFL Europe standout, is aiming to hand Alaqraa a second defeat and make a strong statement on the Middle Eastern MMA scene.

In a highly anticipated bantamweight quarterfinal bout, Algeria’s Mokthar “Le Kabyle” Benkaci (24-9-0) will face Lebanon’s Marcel Adur (19-7-0). Both fighters are known for their explosive striking and finishing power, making this a strong contender for the most thrilling bout of the night.

Local favorite Hattan Alsaif (AM 3-0-0) returns to the SmartCage for what is likely to be another exciting amateur showcase. The rising Saudi talent faces her toughest opponent yet in Nour Al-Fliti (AM 1-1-0), a three-time Lebanese MMA champion and IMMAF Asian Championship silver medalist.

Rounding out the card, Abdulaziz Bin Moammar (AM 1-0-0) will represent the Kingdom in a catchweight 160 pound showcase amateur bout against Egypt’s Hassan Ahmed (AM 3-1-0).


Saudi national team arrives in Los Angeles ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup debut

Updated 11 min 36 sec ago
Follow

Saudi national team arrives in Los Angeles ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup debut

  • Their opening group stage match is set for Sunday against Haiti at Snapdragon Stadium

LOS ANGELES: The Saudi national football team touched down in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning ahead of their participation in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off on June 14 across the US.

The Green Falcons arrived at LAX International Airport from Jeddah and will hold their pre-tournament training camp in San Diego.

Their opening group stage match is set for Sunday against Haiti at Snapdragon Stadium.

The team was received at LAX by the Kingdom’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Bandar Al-Zaid.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal expressed appreciation to the consulate for its warm welcome and logistical support.

The squad will begin their preparations with a closed training session on Wednesday evening at the San Diego Performance Center.


Koeman keeps Depay hungry for goals after equalling Van Persie’s record

Updated 11 June 2025
Follow

Koeman keeps Depay hungry for goals after equalling Van Persie’s record

  • Depay scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes of the Netherlands’ 8-0 win over Malta in a World Cup qualifier to equal Robin van Persie’s record of 50

GRONINGEN: Memphis Depay was denied the chance to complete a hat-trick on Tuesday, and take sole possession of the Dutch national team’s all-time scoring record in the process, as coach Ronald Koeman said he wanted to keep him hungry for goals.
Depay scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes of the Netherlands’ 8-0 win over Malta in a World Cup qualifier to equal Robin van Persie’s record of 50.
Both players have 50 goals in 102 international appearances.
“I equalled Van Persie, I am happy with that,” said Depay, who was taken off in the 72nd minute with the Dutch 4-0 up.
“But this is just an interim total. Of course I am also going for 51, 52 and also 53. If I had played longer, I might have scored one more tonight,” he told reporters.
“I didn’t say anything about the fact that the coach took me off early. I was already happy that I could do what I’ve been doing for years ... scoring.”
Depay scored his first international goal against Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but it has not always been smooth sailing over the years with the national team.
“We have had some turbulence over the years,” he said.
“There have been many coaches and many players have come and gone. The times have shaped me and made me realize what I want.
“Ultimately, it’s important that we’re at the World Cup and that we go far.”
Koeman has consistently backed Depay over his two spells in charge of the Dutch, even when he struggled with his club form.
“I’ve always thought Memphis is a great player. I think he deserves a great compliment. He’s had a year full of injuries, but he’s fit and hungry now,” said Koeman.
“It’s great that he didn’t score the third, because then he stays hungry,” he quipped on Dutch television.


Saudi Arabia’s 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced

Updated 11 June 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced

  • FIA president highlights technological milestones, new talent emerging on global stage

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia will again host several major world motorsport championships it has been confirmed, with 2026 dates announced by international governing body, the FIA.

The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend will take place on Jeddah’s street circuit from April 17-19, with the 24 cars running on 100 percent sustainable fuel.

The news was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau yesterday, chaired by the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Three other F1 world championship rounds will also be held in the Middle East — in Bahrain from April 10-12, Qatar from Nov. 27-29, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi from Dec. 4-6.

The Kingdom will also once more stage back-to-back races in Jeddah as part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar, from Feb. 13-14, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will be held in the Middle East to coincide with the F1 races on 13-14 February, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will form part of the F1 weekends in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The Dakar Rally again kicks off the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, from Jan. 3-17, while the Rally du Maroc takes place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from Nov. 22-27. Bahrain will represent the Middle East as part of the 10-round F3 calendar.

Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: “2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week.

“This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race shows the passion and dedication of our community.”

The World Council also approved one of the final pieces of a compelling puzzle that will mark the start of a new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027.

The rules have been undergoing final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of the regulations.

To this end, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but manufacturers and constructors have freedom within it to scale and integrate wide-ranging designs. 

This means cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, crossovers and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the 10-year regulation cycle through to 2037.


Manchester City sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders

Updated 11 June 2025
Follow

Manchester City sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders

  • Dutch midfielder, City’s fourth signing of the week, ‘ecstatic’ to be signing for Pep Guardiola’s side
  • He will bolster Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne

LONDON: Manchester City on Wednesday announced the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £46.3 million ($62.4 million).

The Dutch midfielder, City’s fourth signing of the week, said he was “ecstatic” to be signing for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The club announced deals for midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon and Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on Tuesday while left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri joined from Wolves on Monday.

Reijnders, 26, joined AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and scored 15 goals for the Italian club in 2024/25.

He will bolster Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.

“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” said Reijnders. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities.”

Director of football Hugo Viana said: “He arrives here with extensive top-level experience in Europe, both at club level as well as on the international stage with the Netherlands.

“Tijjani adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield and working with Pep and our coaches will only see him go from strength to strength.”