Perspectives towards, and experiences of clean sport in international Cerebral Palsy Football: A cross-cultural qualitative exploration of players and athlete support personnel
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Cerebral palsy (CP) football presents unique challenges to clean sport, given its classification system, impairment diversity, and international competitive structure. To understand how athletes and Athlete Support Personnel (ASP) navigate these challenges, our study explored the role of ASP in shaping clean sport culture in international CP football. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 participants (11 athletes, 15 ASPs) from 13 countries, exploring perspectives on clean sport behaviours and ASP responsibility. Reflexive Thematic analysis developed three key themes: Denial and Diffusion: Shared Responsibility or Shifted Blame? Unmasking the game: integrity issues in CP football and Recommendations for a Clean Sport Culture in CP football. Participants shared inconsistencies regarding ASP perspectives on the responsibility for promoting clean sport, with some viewing it as the sole responsibility of athletes and/or medical staff. Integrity challenges, including classification fairness, fair play, and power dynamics between coaches and athletes, were highlighted as significant concerns. Both athletes and ASPs emphasised a lack of clarity regarding their roles in promoting clean sport behaviours, highlighting the need for improved education. For example, making educational resources more accessible and embedded within CP football’s international framework could clarify responsibilities, empower support personnel, and strengthen the sport’s clean sport culture. • A positive clean sport culture in international Cerebral Palsy (CP) football is lacking • The definition and core principles of clean sport in international CP football are unclear and vary between athletes and athlete support personnel • International CP football athletes and athlete support personnel do not take personal clean sport responsibility and diffuse to those in medical positions • Integrity issues relating to clean sport exist in international CP football • Classification, match fixing and substance abuse persist to be a problem in the sport • A combination of deterrent and values-based interventions would benefit the sport alongside education and clear whistleblowing mechanisms
Source: Psychology of sport and exercise
Institution: Loughborough University
Language: English
Topic: Doping in Sports
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,570
Funder: World Anti-Doping Agency
OpenAlex ID: W7153638345