Play the Game 2025
Driving dialogue for democracy in sport
5-8 October in Tampere, Finland
While democratic dialogue faces growing pressure – in society as well as in international sport – Play the Game remains committed to being a space where voices meet, power is held to account, and difficult conversations are staged in an honest, open, and respectful environment.
In a time of growing polarisation, we aim to keep the democratic conversation in sport alive. That’s the ambition behind this year’s title – to reaffirm dialogue as a force for accountability, understanding, and change.
Play the Game 2025 is the 14th time Play the Game brings together journalists, researchers, athletes, whistleblowers, and decision-makers in sport from across the world to confront the issues that matter – with openness, respect, and critical thinking.
Sign up for the conference now
Registration for Play the Game is now open, and you can sign up for the conference now at a special early bird rate.
Read more about registration and prices
Read more about conference grants for for media professionals from low-income countries
The Play the Game conferences encourage a broad range of contributions from all stakeholders in sport. Photos: Thomas Søndergaard/Play the Game
Conference information
Play the Game 2025 will take place on 5-8 October 2025 and will be held in partnership with the City of Tampere. Tampere is one of the most active cities in hosting sports events in Northern Europe and works internationally to strengthen the legacy of the big public investments in events.
The conference will be co-hosted by the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports (FINCIS), one of a growing number of national bodies with multiple tasks in sports integrity. Among other things, FINCIS is responsible for investigating serious ethical violations and presenting disciplinary provisions in centralised disciplinary procedures.
The conference venue is the Tampere Hall, a versatile culture and congress centre located in central Tampere.
Questions and contact
For questions regarding the programme contact Stanis Elsborg, head of Play the Game, at stanis@playthegame.org or phone +45 6177 4915.
For practical questions contact Maria Suurballe, conference manager, at maria@playthegame.org or phone +45 2020 6838.