SiGMA Group introduces Fair Play Charter for all sports events
SiGMA World is introducing the Fair Play Charter, a new code of conduct that all teams will be required to sign before taking part in sporting activities held alongside its global events. The charter forms part of SiGMA’s broader ESG commitments, extending the company’s Social and Governance standards from the conference floor onto the pitch, court and course. Every team competing in golf, padel, football, and other side events will sign it, embedding respect, integrity, and safety into SiGMA’s competitive networking calendar.
Why now
SiGMA’s sports calendar has quietly turned into its own ecosystem, spanning eight global summits and more than 30 side events each year. The SiGMA Golf Tour opened in Dubai in February 2026 at Trump International Golf Club, where 50 C-level executives filled the tee sheet, moved to Cape Town three weeks later, and has continued to add stops throughout the year.
Padel has scaled even faster: Blokotech’s Global Padel Tour, run in partnership with SiGMA, spans four stops on three continents in a single year, from Buenos Aires in March to a Grand Finale in Rome during SiGMA World in November, with a minimum of 24 competing pairs at every stop. Football has held its place too, with the 5-a-side SiGMA Cup at Luxol Football Club a fixture of past SiGMA Europe weeks. Between golf, padel and football, sport is clearly no longer a side activity. It’s a recurring part of how the industry meets.
What the charter covers
The Fair Play Charter sets out seven core principles for all participating teams:
Respect for others. No abusive language or aggressive behaviour, and full respect for referees, organisers and fellow team members.
Integrity of competition. No cheating or manipulation of results, with all matches played honestly and transparently.
Safety first. No dangerous or reckless play, and full compliance with venue and sport-specific safety rules.
Inclusion and respect. Zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of gender or nationality, paired with an active encouragement of positive team spirit.
Professional conduct. Participants are expected to represent SiGMA’s values at all times and to avoid disruptive behaviour during or after events.
Dispute resolution. Teams agree to accept the referee’s and organiser’s decisions and to raise any complaints through a clear, defined process.
Environmental responsibility. Minimise single-use plastics, follow the venue’s recycling and waste guidelines, use sustainable or shared transport where practicable, and protect wildlife, water features, and natural habitats on site.
Reinforcing SiGMA’s ESG framework
The Fair Play Charter directly reinforces all three pillars of SiGMA’s ESG strategy: Environmental, Social and Governance. By protecting brand reputation during high-profile events, reducing conflict in competitive networking environments and forming a consistent standard across every sport and side event, the charter turns SiGMA’s values into a practical, signed commitment rather than a set of abstract principles.
“Sport at our events has never been just about winning. It’s about people connecting, competing properly, and having a good time doing it. The Fair Play Charter is our way of making sure that spirit of respect, integrity and good sportsmanship doesn’t get lost along the way”
Emily Demajo, Chief Experience Officer, SiGMA Group
What happens next
Starting immediately, every team registering for SiGMA’s golf, padel, football and other sporting activities will be asked to examine and sign the Fair Play Charter before taking part. This standard will apply consistently across all sports and all events on SiGMA’s global calendar.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but your next deal could be. From 02 to 05 November 2026, the city becomes the heartbeat of global iGaming when SiGMA World opens its gates. With 30,000 delegates, 1,200+ sponsors and exhibitors, and 550+ expert speakers, history is calling at the mother of all conferences.
