Doha – June 9, 2026:
In a new step reflecting its firm commitment to strengthening principles of good governance and embedding values of integrity and transparency within the sports system, the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) organized a specialized workshop on sports integrity on Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026, under the slogan “Together… We Play Fair, Compete with Respect, and Win with Integrity.” The workshop was held in cooperation with the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and hosted at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 3‑2‑1, with a large attendance of officials, players, and technical and administrative staff.

The event was attended by Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al‑Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al‑Kuwari, Secretary General of the Federation and Director of National Teams; Mr. Ahmed Yousef Al‑Darwish, Assistant Secretary General of the Federation; Mr. Massimiliano Montanari, CEO of ICSS; as well as board members Mr. Mishal Abdullah Al‑Maliki, Mr. Abdullah Sultan Al‑Jaber, and Ms. Zahra Majid Al‑Zaidan. Players from the U‑16 national teams, along with their coaches and administrators, also participated.

This initiative forms part of the Federation’s strategy to build a sports environment founded on fairness, equality, and transparency, while raising awareness among athletes and sports personnel about the importance of protecting competitions from harmful practices that may undermine integrity and credibility—foremost among them match‑fixing.

The workshop focused on key themes including the risks of match manipulation in sports competitions, preventive mechanisms, the importance of adhering to ethical standards, and reinforcing the concept of fair play. It also emphasized instilling a culture of responsibility among players, coaches, and administrators as essential partners in safeguarding sport and its values.

An interactive panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Khalid Al‑Qahtani, featured Mr. Massimiliano Montanari (ICSS CEO), Ms. Rana Bazazo (Head Coach of Qatar Women’s National Basketball Team), and Mr. Mostafa Fouda (Qatar Men’s National Team player). The speakers addressed challenges to sports integrity at regional and international levels and highlighted the importance of raising awareness among athletes from early age categories.

The session witnessed strong engagement from attendees, who posed numerous questions on combating match manipulation and the role athletes can play in reporting illegal or unethical practices that threaten the integrity of competitions.

Mr. Montanari praised the fruitful cooperation with the Qatar Basketball Federation, stressing that such awareness initiatives are fundamental pillars for protecting the future of sport and reinforcing trust in competitions. He commended Qatar’s efforts in embedding integrity and transparency in sports, noting that building a healthy sporting culture begins with spreading awareness and developing knowledge across all stakeholders.

At the conclusion of the event, Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al‑Mughaiseeb honored Mr. Montanari (ICSS CEO), His Excellency Mr. Salahuddin Zaki Khalid (UNESCO Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen, and Director of UNESCO Doha Office), and Mr. Daniel Brown (Deputy Director of Operations at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 3‑2‑1), in recognition of their contributions to the success of this initiative.

Mr. Al‑Mughaiseeb affirmed that combating match‑fixing and promoting sports integrity are top strategic priorities for the Federation, stemming from its responsibility to protect and develop the game in line with best international practices. He expressed gratitude to ICSS, the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and all partners who contributed to the success of this important initiative, emphasizing that spreading a culture of integrity and fairness is one of the Federation’s most vital goals.

He added that the Federation has recently taken practical steps to strengthen sports governance, including updating regulations, developing organizational frameworks in line with international standards, and forming specialized committees such as the Disciplinary Committee and Appeals Committee to enhance justice, transparency, and accountability.

Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al‑Kuwari, Secretary General and Director of National Teams, highlighted the Federation’s strong focus on awareness and education as essential elements in building responsible generations of athletes. He noted that the workshop is part of a series of programs and initiatives aimed at raising awareness among players of all age groups, familiarizing them with modern challenges in sport, and enhancing their ability to make sound decisions that preserve integrity and protect the reputation of Qatari sport.

Al‑Kuwari concluded by stressing that investment in awareness and education is a key factor in the success of institutional sports work. He affirmed that the Federation will continue collaborating with local and international partners to develop specialized programs that foster a safe, fair, and sustainable sports environment, reflecting the advanced position of Qatari sport at continental and global levels.

This workshop underscores the Qatar Basketball Federation’s ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of integrity and fair play, embedding respect, responsibility, and transparency among athletes, in alignment with Qatar’s vision of building a comprehensive sports system based on ethical values and professional practices—ensuring a fair competitive environment that safeguards the credibility and future of sport.