Europe is ‘losing its influence’ when it comes to international sports governance, as other regions are strengthening their positions, according to the latest edition of the Sports Policy Power Barometer published by Danmarks Idrætsforbund (DIF).
The Sports Policy Power Barometer assesses the political and administrative composition of 130 global and European sports organisations and ranks different countries based on their sports policy influence. It also measures how countries and continents shape decision-making through political and administrative roles.
This year’s findings point to a significant shift in global sports power dynamics, with Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas all strengthening their presence.
Europe’s influence has dropped sharply, however, with its overall score falling by 1,020 points compared to 2023. In contrast, Asia recorded the largest increase, gaining 340 points, followed by Africa (+132) and South America (+52).
‘Rebalancing underway’
“Europe has historically been and continues to be overrepresented in international sports policy, but there is a rebalancing underway, which we also feel in Denmark,” commented Hans Natorp, DIF chairman. “It is important that we preserve and nurture our traditional alliances in Northern Europe, but we will also need to engage in dialogue with countries that are not necessarily similar to us if we are to continue to influence decisions and shape developments.”
On the ranking list, Denmark has moved up one place to 35th in the global rankings, though this remains well below its peak position of 21st in 2019.
“It is clear that today we must fight harder and work even more strategically to get Danish sports politicians elected to international positions,” said Natorp. “We are up against countries from other parts of the world that invest a lot of resources in this area.”
The Russia debate
Elsewhere, Russia has fallen 16 places since 2023, now ranking 31st globally, with Natorp linking this decline partly to Europe’s role in excluding Russia from international sports bodies.
“It is Europe’s great influence internationally that has led to Russia being excluded from many global sports bodies,” he commented. Outside of Europe, people are not so keen on excluding Russia. Europe’s declining influence is a contributing factor to the current development, where Russia is gradually being let back into the fold.” Read more here.
