Offside Rules: What Does the Football World Cup Mean for Business and Human Security?
Speakers
Chair
As the 2026 men’s football World Cup gets underway we look at the social risks linked to this global sporting event. Located for the first time in three countries, the United States, Mexico and Canada, with some of the match venues affected by serious issues of violence and human rights, the World Cup presents both opportunities and perils for the private sector.
Dozens of household names from Adidas to Coca-Cola, Unilever and McDonald’s are official sponsors for the tournament. Many more will be engaged through local sponsorships and corporate entertaining packages. The event has already raised questions of security. But what are the obvious and less obvious social impacts of these business alliances on the diverse communities affected by the tournament? Beyond human rights issues, are there wider human security concerns raised by the World Cup?
Join us for a discussion which will make you look at the event through new eyes and highlight important issues of corporate risk and responsibility.
Among the questions we will address are:
- What have previous global sporting events taught us about human rights and human security?
- What are the hidden social risks for companies engaging with the World Cup?
- Why is football a potentially perilous area for companies to get involved in?
Meet the Speakers
Dr Mary Martin is director of the UN Business and Human Security Initiative.
Her research focuses on the role of the private sector in conflict and peacebuilding and private security in the international system. She was co-ordinator of the Human Security Study Group 2006-1010, reporting to the High Representative of the European Union.
She holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.
Andrea Florence is an international human rights lawyer dedicated to creating spaces for civil society representation and movement building. As Executive Director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, Andrea is responsible for ensuring the combined strength, representation and expertise of global civil society organizations is harnessed to promote the rights and well-being of those most affected by human rights risks associated with the delivery of sport.
Previously, Andrea led a worldwide prevalence study of interpersonal violence in sport at World Players Association, spearheaded global human rights actions as Campaigns Coordinator at Amnesty International and supported uncovering child abuse in sport during the Children Win campaign at Terre des Hommes International Federation.
Steve Gibbons is a founding Director of Ergon Associates and a recognised international expert in business and human rights. With a background in labour law, he has spent the past 20 years advising multi-stakeholder initiatives, international companies, development finance institutions, major sporting federations and event organisers.
His work includes leading human rights impact assessments, developing due diligence and reporting frameworks under emerging legislation, and designing remedy and grievance mechanisms. He also supports sports organisations in integrating human rights into their operations.
Steve has led major research projects for institutions including the European Commission, the World Bank and the ILO. He is also an experienced facilitator, trainer and regular keynote speaker. He graduated from the University of Nottingham Law School and the Inns of Court School of Law in London.
Maria Prandi is Founder and CEO of Business and Human Rights (BHR), advising companies, governments and investors on human rights due diligence for over 20 years. She has contributed to EU policy development, including work linked to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
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