Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi is to be sports policy rapporteur for the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) on the European Parliament's Culture and Education Committee. 

Ms Mizzi said that international and European sport competitions, and sport in general, ought to be an example of integrity, transparency and good governance.

"This report comes at the right moment, just before starting the negotiations on the new European plan for sport, as the current one expires in 2017,” she said. The CULT Committee will be drafting a report titled 'Sport Policy: good governance, mobility and integrity'. 

“As the S&D spokesperson, I will ensure that loopholes in the EU policy, such as the fight against doping, match-fixing and illegal betting are addressed. I will also ensure that development for young sportspersons and protection of minors are included so that high-level sport does not affect the advancement of young sportsmen. We need effective actions to fight corruption and promote ethics in sport, with strict rules on financial supervision and accountability.” 

International sports has been rocked by various scandals over the past year, from doping allegations tied to Olympic athletes to match-fixing controversies in football.  

“We also need to promote more sport activities at school and ensure equal access to sport and physical activities for all and in particular for vulnerable groups in society, such as children and disabled people," Ms Mizzi said.

She said events such as the Special Olympic games were an excellent example of how sports could help disadvantaged groups better integrate within society.