The erosion of sport autonomy and its impact on traditional models of sport

Viktoriia Smirnova
russia

Doctoral Candidate 9 (DC 9) name: Viktoriia Smirnova
Email Address: [email protected]

Personal Information: Viktoriia Smirnova is the Doctoral Candidate for DC9 titled “The erosion of sport autonomy and its impact on traditional models of sport”. Viktoriia’s areas of interest and engagement include sport governance, diplomacy, international relations, and socio-legal studies. She holds an Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in Sports Ethics and Integrity and a Bachelor’s degree in Trade Business from Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.

Prior to embarking on her doctoral journey, Viktoriia has amassed professional experience through her role as a research intern at the Biathlon Integrity Unit in Austria, where she provided research assistance in relation to the upcoming inclusion policy. Her dedication to the field extends to her role as a Young Sports Maker at the Global Sports Week in Paris.

Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Viktoriia volunteered within the European Solidarity Corps in Spain, the FIFA World Cup in Russia, the European Universities Games in Poland. Viktoriia has a transnational background; she has lived and studied in six countries. Additionally, she completed 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training by Yoga Alliance in India.

Home University: JGU

Planned Secondments:
(1) Host University: KU Leuven
(2) Industrial Partner: EOC EU office

Supervisors: Prof Dr Mathias Schubert, JGU; Prof Dr Frank Hendrickx; Prof Dr Thomas Koenecke, KUL

Project Description: The project critically assess developments (2000-25) that affect sport’s autonomy and traditional models of sport organisation and governance. It will identify the stakeholders involved in these processes, critically explore how sport governing bodies have tried to respond to these developments by means of regulation and policy. Finally, it will develop recommendations how sport governing bodies could better develop autonomy-preserving strategies.