Integrity agencies investigate foreign ownership and sponsorship of sport clubs in Australia

Two of the Australian Government’s high-profile integrity agencies - Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)  have partnered to investigate foreign ownership and sponsorship of sporting entities in Australia.

As reported today in the ABC, the investigation involves an inquiry into foreign ownership in A-League clubs as five of the 12 A-League men's clubs are foreign-owned or controlled. While these links are a focus of the work, Australian Sport Minister Richard Colbeck has noted that an inquiry could cover all sport in Australia.

Minister Colbeck has flagged the work may ultimately lead to a formal public inquiry, as the government examines integrity risks and human rights records of investors.

ABC report SIA Chief Executive David Sharpe revealed at Senate estimates on Wednesday night, to "identify any risks that may occur" from foreign investment adding "part of the work is to look at all investment into sport ... sponsorship as well as ownership," he said.

At Senate estimates on Wednesday night, answering questions from Greens senator Lidia Thorpe, Senator Colbeck warned human rights in relation to investors was a concern and noted "like you, I think we would all be concerned with respect to ensuring that investment in sport is from appropriate sources from a whole range of perspectives — whether that be directly in relation to the integrity of sport itself — or with respect to other elements such as those that you're raising including human rights."

Senator Colbeck added that he had discussed the issues with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

Sport Integrity Australia declined to give further comments.