Abuse of power in sport: A scandalous look behind the scenes!

Abuse of power in sport: A scandalous look behind the scenes!

The ninth Vechta Trust Lecture of the Center for Trust Research took place on June 6, 2025, given by the investigative journalist Maike Backhaus was directed. Her lecture addressed the non-transparent power structures and the growing pressure in professional sports, combined with physical and psychological violence. Backhaus, who works for renowned media such as CORRECTIV, the Süddeutsche Zeitung and Spiegel, called for an urgent critical questioning of these systemic structures.

With a clear focus on abuse of power in sport, Backhaus called for open debate in associations and clubs as well as stronger protective measures for athletes. The moderator of the event, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin K.W. Schweer, emphasized the responsibility of sports players to detect and prevent abuse of power and called for coaches to be made more aware.

Background and research

The German Sport University Cologne has been conducting intensive research in this area for over 20 years. Especially Professor Dr. Bettina Rulofs began the systematic investigation of abuse of power in sport in 2004. Their work has significantly led to significant change processes in organized sport and made the university the leading institution in research on sexual and interpersonal violence. The pilot study from 1997 showed that violence against girls and women is also carried out in sport, caused by a combination of body centering, male dominance and dependency relationships between athletes and coaches DSHS Cologne.

The results of recent studies such as “Safe Sport” and “Sicher im Sport” illustrate the urgency of further measures. A survey of 4,000 people found that 70% reported violence in club sports, while around 25% experienced sexual violence. Despite the creation of contact points and protection concepts, the problem of violence in sport remains acute and affects both children and adults.

Urgent need for action

The reports of sexual violence and abuse of power in sport illustrate an alarming reality. Former gymnasts from Stuttgart and Mannheim reported how psychological violence and harassment by female coaches influenced their sporting careers. The ongoing problems in sport show that more and more people need to be made aware of these issues. The media is often perceived as the last opportunity to talk about such grievances Deutschlandfunk reported.

The strict balance of power and pressure in competitive sports, particularly in sports such as swimming and gymnastics, create an environment in which violence, be it physical or psychological, can flourish. The published studies also show that perpetrators in sport often have easy access to young athletes, which increases the vulnerability of those affected. Sexual violence manifests itself in various forms, from verbal harassment to physical assault.

The problem is not just an individual one, but a systemic one that requires comprehensive analysis and reforms in the associations. The introduction of protection concepts, which are required as part of funding from the Federal Ministry, is a necessary step forward. A newly planned “Safe Sport Code” is to be passed by the end of 2024 in order to punish assaults in a legally secure manner.

When asked what responsibility society can assume, Backhaus got to the point: In order to achieve real change, an honest and open discussion about power structures and abuse in sport is required. This is the only way to restore trust between athletes, coaches and associations.