Welcome to the Investment Fraud in Sport Panel

The Investment Fraud in Sport Panel is a pioneering cross-party initiative that brings together MPs, former and current athletes, legal and financial experts, and law enforcement to tackle the growing issue of financial exploitation in professional sport.

Athletes generate enormous value for the UK—contributing billions to the economy, inspiring communities, and strengthening our global sporting reputation. Yet many are left dangerously exposed to financial abuse. From mis-sold investment schemes and fraudulent advice to punitive tax treatment, athletes have become high-value targets with shockingly little protection.

This committee was formed to change that.

Our Purpose

We are committed to:

•Uncovering the scale and root causes  of financial exploitation in UK sport.

•Securing immediate support for athletes in financial crisis.

•Challenging unfair tax treatment, particularly in cases involving fraud or mis-selling.

•Building long-term structural reform—including the creation of an independent body to oversee athlete financial protection.

•Raising awareness  and shifting public perception: financial abuse is not personal failure, but often systemic exploitation.

Our Next Steps

The panel will soon:

• Publish a detailed briefing paper  outlining the scope of the issue, urgent short-term actions, and long-term policy recommendations.

• Seek to engage directly with government departments, including DCMS, HM Treasury and HMRC, to advocate for fairer treatment of affected athletes.

• Meet with major sports governing bodies to press for improved safeguarding, education, and early intervention mechanisms.

•Launch a public awareness campaign to spotlight this issue and empower athletes to speak out.

•Explore the creation of an Emergency Recovery and Legal Support Fund  for those already impacted by financial abuse.

•Lay the groundwork for an Independent Athlete Financial Protection Body to drive reform and provide long-term oversight.

A Call to Action

This is more than a crisis—it is an opportunity. The UK has a unique chance to lead the world in protecting athletes from financial harm. By acting now, we can build a world-class framework that ensures the individuals who give everything to their sport are no longer left vulnerable and unheard.

Together, we can end the silence, seek support for those in crisis, and make athlete financial protection a national priority.