This is what German sport was still missing: an independent institution that prosecutes and punishes violations of decency. She won't bring more medals, that's for sure. Presumably, it brings more bureaucracy. After all, not only associations should commit themselves to comprehensive integrity, but also the almost 90,000 sports clubs in Germany – including amendments to the statutes. This will take years and decades.

Why do clubs and associations still need an institution that keeps an eye on them and knocks on their fingers? Because they too often fail to deal with integrity with the people, organizations, games and competitions entrusted to them. In international sport, professionals and presidents exemplify greed, corruption and contempt for humanity. On their own doorstep, athletes experience that reports are not taken seriously, incidents are ignored and co-determination rights are restricted.

Integrity of individuals

Fifteen months ago, Athleten Deutschland e.V., the driving force behind this renewal of German sport, stated that the autonomy of sport blocks possibilities for intervention and leads to system failure. Responsibilities remain unclear and responsibility is shifted back and forth. The powerlessness of those affected constantly causes damage and frustration.

What goes well, on the other hand, is often due to the integrity of individuals. Thus, it is another argument that structures to protect integrity are urgently needed. The analysis that is now pending will probably confirm this. The statutory condition that state support should only be granted if minimum standards in matters of integrity and human rights are met is long overdue.

The narrow-lipped reaction of the German Olympic Sports Confederation suggests that it is striving for a division of labor as at the Center for Safe Sport. He does what he can is his attitude. If politicians want more, they should be happy to tackle it – and pay for it.