The second session of the Executive Master in European Sport Governance (MESGO), focusing on sports organisations and their governance, took place from 12 to 16 November in Switzerland, at the headquarters of various prestigious international organisations.
During the week, the debates focused on the governance of national and international sports organisations, with case studies dedicated to the European Golf Tour (PGA Europe), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), UEFA and the International Cycling Union (UCI). Other presentations focused on corporate governance issues, the specificity of Swiss law with regards to associations, stakeholder representation and the role of professional leagues. Finally, a comparison with the sector of humanitarian NGOs was made, through an in-depth study of the governance of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Daily gatherings took place in Lausanne (at the maison du sport international and the FEI), Nyon (at UEFA) and Geneva (at the ICRC).
The 20 MESGO participants also took up the entertaining opportunity of a football match against UEFA staff and of a cooking workshop.
The next session will take place in London in January 2013 and will be dedicated to the governance and regulation of sporting competitions.