The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has raised the alarm over what it describes as an increasing effort by global sports federations to silence independent journalism, warning it could pave the way for unchecked corruption in sports.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Lausanne-based body criticised international federations for limiting access to journalists and curbing opportunities for free and critical coverage.

“We are being pushed into a sort of ghetto, where we’re expected to accept only what they give us, no questions asked,” AIPS wrote.

The association pointed to the growing cancellation of press conferences, shrinking access to athletes, and the reliance on mixed zones, which it likened to Dante’s Inferno, as signs of a shrinking space for independent reporting.

It said some organisations now direct journalists to watch official broadcasts and use approved interview clips, often controlled by broadcasters that hold exclusive rights.

“This is a dangerous moment not just for journalism, but for sport itself,” the statement read. “When we fight corruption, it’s not for headlines; it’s to protect the future of young athletes.”

AIPS also warned that limiting the free press in sports makes it easier for criminal organisations to gain influence in global competitions, noting that some parts of international sports have already been compromised.

The association said it will launch working groups to monitor the situation and recommend countermeasures.

It also called on journalists to reflect on their practices and go beyond surface-level reporting.

While AIPS acknowledges that some “enlightened minds” still value the press, the group insists that real journalism —the kind that asks hard questions and pushes for transparency —is essential to the future of sport.

This warning from AIPS comes at a time when several global companies and institutions, including in Africa, are being criticised for press restrictions, raising questions about the future of free expression in professional sports.