SportAccord is proud to share a new report from long-standing partner Marsh, furthering the dialogue initiated at the 2024 edition of the International Federation (IF) Forum. The piece focuses on strategy, governance, and risk, three critical pillars for International Federations seeking to build long-term resilience and future readiness.
The report, developed in collaboration with Oliver Wyman, a business of Marsh McLennan, builds on Marsh’s high-level contribution to the IF Forum 2024 in Lausanne, where they presented insights on how federations can become both match fit and future-ready, the official theme of the event.
Why this report matters now
As the global sports landscape continues to evolve, International Federations face mounting complexity. Technological disruption, stakeholder pressure, climate imperatives, and reputational risk are all reshaping how sport is governed and delivered.
Marsh’s report responds to this challenge with practical, expert-driven guidance tailored to the specific realities of federations. It goes beyond high-level theory and offers clear frameworks to help sport leaders navigate uncertainty with confidence and focus.
A partnership rooted in purpose
Marsh has supported the IF Forum for the past few years, bringing deep expertise in insurance broking, governance, and risk strategy to the global sport ecosystem. Through its Global Sport & Events Practice, Marsh supports federations and event organisers with customised solutions designed to build resilience and reduce exposure.
SportAccord works with partners like Marsh not only to enrich its events, but to amplify relevant insight across the wider International Federation community. This report reflects a shared commitment to future readiness, one that aligns with SportAccord’s broader mission of supporting progress in international sport.
Key takeaways from the report
- Sport is evolving rapidly. Federations must keep pace with innovation, climate imperatives, and shifting audience demands.
- Strategy, governance, and risk are interconnected. Future-ready leadership requires an integrated approach across all three.
- Planning must be inclusive and adaptive. Top-down strategies are no longer enough.
- Governance must build trust, not just enforce rules. Transparency, inclusivity and integrity are now non-negotiable.
- Risk management is cultural, not just procedural. Insurance alone is not enough: resilience requires proactive planning and awareness.
Looking ahead to the International Federation (IF) Forum 2025
The IF Forum continues to serve as a trusted platform for strategic dialogue, bringing together the key voices shaping the future of international sport. The themes explored in Marsh’s report will remain central as the IF community prepares for the International Federation (IF) Forum 2025 edition, providing an opportunity to deepen collaboration and exchange.
Download the full report to explore how your federation can lead with clarity, resilience, and forward-thinking strategy. SportAccord remains committed to amplifying insight that drives progress across the global sports movement.
About the International Federation (IF) Forum
The IF Forum, hosted by SportAccord in Lausanne, takes place annually and addresses the specific needs of Olympic and non-Olympic International Federations. The Forum focuses on sharing best practices and knowledge on critical topics. The three-day event is by invitation only and open to International Federations including members of ASOIF, WOF, ARISF, and AIMS. The IF Forum gathers more than 400 leaders from the IOC, IFs, sports business leaders, and exclusive IF Forum partners.
The International Federation (IF) Forum 2025 will take place from 27 to 29 October 2025 at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. In an era marked by geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and evolving expectations, the IF Forum 2025 will provide a vital space for reflection, connection, and shared insight. Discussions will focus on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sport, with a programme designed to foster dialogue and practical takeaways.
Visit the IF Forum 2025 website for more details on this year’s edition.
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