Former U.S. Attorney General to Speak at Securing Sport

The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) announced today that Eric H. Holder Jr., 82nd Attorney General of the United States, will address Securing Sport 2015 as a keynote speaker. Following his tenure as the third-longest-serving Attorney General in United States history, Holder has rejoined the law firm of Covington & Burling in Washington, D.C., where he represented the National Football League. Holder will discuss the challenges facing American and worldwide sport from a legal perspective, covering integrity, ethics and security in the sporting world.

As sports integrity issues flash in the headlines – from corruption allegations with FIFA to the FanDuel/DraftKings fantasy games scandal – the Securing Sport conference comes at a critical moment. Making its debut in the United States in New York City on November 3-4, the event will examine the biggest threats to the safety, security and integrity of sport and unite high-profile decision-makers, law enforcement officials and senior policymakers from the U.S. and around the world.

Ahead of his keynote address at Securing Sport 2015, Holder said:

“As Attorney General, I witnessed first-hand the need for international cooperation to advance national security, public safety, and anticorruption efforts. In order to inspire future generations, sporting events must be safe for players and fans, and sporting competitions must not be tainted by corruption. I look forward to joining ICSS to discuss these important principles on November 4.”

For a full biography of Eric Holder (82nd United States Attorney General), please click here.

Of Mr. Holder, Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS President, said:

“As sport continues to grow on an exponential scale worldwide, it is a privilege to welcome Eric Holder to Securing Sport 2015. His experience shaping American law and influencing international legal matters, in addition to his experience in the world of sport through private practice, has given him unique insight into the ways the legal world can affect sport, and vice versa.

“With questions abounding about the legality and ethics of sport gambling and fantasy sport leagues, Eric’s legal insights can shed light on a topic creeping into the spotlight.

“I look forward to welcoming Eric at Securing Sport, as well as other leaders from around the world, for what will be a must-attend event that aims safeguard the future of sport for all.”

Along with the keynote speakers, issues and topics to be discussed at this year’s Securing Sport include:

• Regulation of Sport Betting in the United States
• Cyber-attacks and other “emerging threats” during major sporting events
• Financial Transparency, Corruption and Organized Crime in Sport
• The role of sport in economic development
• The role of government in sport
• Player and spectator safety and major sporting events

Mr. Holder joins a full slate of other leaders from the world of sport, governance, media and corporate relations.