Governance & Structure

Legal Status

 

IPSEI (International Platform for Sport Ethics & Integrity) operates as an independent international digital platform, legally registered as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) under the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

This legal form ensures operational flexibility, financial transparency, and compliance with national legislation, while enabling IPSEI to operate globally as a neutral and independent platform.

IPSEI applies participation and service-based fees to ensure the sustainability, quality, and independence of the platform. Any revenues generated are used to support platform development, technical maintenance, content moderation, and international outreach.

IPSEI is not a regulatory authority, does not set rules, and does not exercise enforcement powers in sport.

IPSEI provides infrastructure — not regulation. Coordination — not control. Visibility — not enforcement.

 

Governance Principles

 

The governance of IPSEI is guided by the following six core principles:

1. Independence;
2. Integrity and ethical responsibility;
3. Transparency and accountability;
4. Inclusiveness and global perspective;
5. Non-political and non-regulatory positioning;
6. Clear separation between governance, advisory, and participation roles.

 

Governance Structure

 

Founder & Director

The Founder & Director is the sole executive authority of IPSEI and holds full legal and operational responsibility for the platform. The exercise of executive authority is informed by independent advisory bodies and guided by the governance principles outlined above.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Defining IPSEI’s strategic direction and long-term priorities;
2. Overseeing platform development and sustainability;
3. Ensuring alignment with IPSEI’s mission, vision, and values;
4. Managing partnerships and international relations;
5. Appointing advisory bodies;
6. Supervising financial, administrative, and operational matters.

Independence and Role Separation

The Founder & Director of IPSEI may hold professional roles in public or international institutions. All activities within IPSEI are carried out strictly in a personal and independent capacity.

IPSEI does not represent, act on behalf of, receive instructions from, or rely on institutional support from any public authority, including national anti-doping organisations.

 

Secretariat (Virtual Office)

The Secretariat operates as a lean, virtual administrative unit, supporting the daily functioning of IPSEI.

Its responsibilities include:

1. Coordination of IPSEI Hubs;
2. Communication with participants and Strategic Partners;
3. Content moderation and platform integrity;
4. Administration of the Global Clean Sport Events Calendar;
5. Support for recruitment and funding-related activities;
6. Technical, editorial, and administrative assistance.

The Secretariat operates under the authority of the Founder & Director.

 

Advisory Board

Role

The Advisory Board is a non-executive, non-decision-making body that provides independent strategic advice and thought leadership to support IPSEI’s development and global positioning.

The Advisory Board:

1. Provides guidance on strategy, ethics, and governance-related matters;
2. Contributes international expertise and independent perspective;
3. Enhances IPSEI’s credibility and institutional trust.

The Advisory Board does not:

1. Manage IPSEI’s operations;
2. Make binding or executive decisions;
3. Hold legal or fiduciary responsibility;
4. Interfere in day-to-day management;
5. Represent IPSEI externally or speak on its behalf unless explicitly invited.

Composition & Size:

1. Six distinguished international experts;
2. Members are appointed in their personal capacity, not as institutional representatives;
3. Selection is based on expertise, experience, and alignment with IPSEI’s mission and values.

Areas of expertise may include:

1. Sport integrity and governance;
2. Anti-doping and clean sport systems;
3. International sport policy or law;
4. Academia and research;
5. Funding, philanthropy, and foundations;
6. Innovation and digital platforms.

Terms:

1. Members are appointed by the Founder & Director;
2. Initial term: two years, renewable;
3. Advisory Board service is honorary, unless otherwise agreed;
4. The Advisory Board meets on a quarterly basis, primarily online.

 

Global Advisory Circle

To ensure balanced global perspectives and meaningful regional insight, IPSEI has established a Global Advisory Circle.

The Global Advisory Circle consists of:

• the Founder & Director of IPSEI, and
• two experts from each of the world’s six regions:

1. Africa
2. Asia
3. Europe
4. North America
5. South America
6. Oceania

Total composition: 13 members.

Role of the Global Advisory Circle

The Global Advisory Circle:

1. Provides regional insight and contextual expertise;
2. Supports IPSEI’s international outreach and visibility;
3. Strengthens connections across the global sport integrity ecosystem.

The Global Advisory Circle:

1. Does not form part of IPSEI’s governance;
2. Does not hold decision-making or executive authority;
3. Operates in an advisory and consultative capacity only.

Members of the Global Advisory Circle do not represent regions, institutions, or governments, but contribute personal regional insight and experience.

 

Summary

IPSEI is a globally oriented platform with a lean and transparent governance model, led by a Founder & Director, supported by an independent Advisory Board, and complemented by a Global Advisory Circle bringing balanced insight from the world’s six regions.

IPSEI is designed as an open and evolving platform. While its initial structure and Hubs reflect current priorities in sport ethics and integrity, the platform remains open to the development of new thematic areas, tools, services, collaborative initiatives, and formats of engagement, in line with the evolving global clean sport ecosystem.

The future expansion of IPSEI’s activities will be guided by emerging needs within the global sport integrity ecosystem and informed by structured dialogue with participants, Strategic Partners, and advisory bodies. This flexible approach ensures that IPSEI remains relevant, responsive, and aligned with real-world challenges and opportunities.