African journalists have been challenged to deepen investigative sports reporting as a critical tool for protecting the integrity of sport and strengthening accountability on and off the field.

Addressing a session on investigative sports journalism, Abdoulaye Thiam, president of the AIPS, cited a landmark investigation into the South Africa versus Senegal football match.

The probe uncovered allegations that match officials had been bribed by a betting agency to influence the outcome of the game.

The revelations eventually led to the replay of the match, a development highlighted during the session as a powerful demonstration of how investigative journalism can drive real change in global sport.
Gambian multi award-winning investigative journalist Mustapha K. Darboe drew parallels with governance reporting, focusing on the issue of incomplete public projects.

He noted that authorities often miss deadlines, stressing the duty of journalists to persistently demand transparency and accountability.

The discussion also featured contributions from Giona Merlo, AIPS global president, and veteran Senegalese journalist Hamadou Tidiane Sy, who shared reflections on ethics, accountability, and the structural challenges facing investigative sports journalism across Africa.

By Ebrima KB Sonko