Brussels, 29 July 2025 – The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) is proud to announce that DECATHLON, the world’s largest sporting goods retailer[1], has joined FESI as a member this month. DECATHLON’s membership reinforces the collective voice of the sporting goods industry in Brussels and reflects the growing engagement of the sector in shaping a competitive and environmentally responsible future for sport in Europe.
Known for its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation[2], particularly in areas such as circular textiles, cycling, and new business models like repair, maintenance, and product buy-back, DECATHLON brings valuable expertise that will support FESI’s contributions to key EU regulatory files, such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Green Claims Directive, and broader efforts to ensure fair competition and harmonisation across the Single Market.
“We are extremely happy to officially welcome DECATHLON to FESI,” said Jérôme Pero, Secretary General of FESI. “They have already contributed meaningful insights to FESI-led initiatives in the past, such as the Winter Sport Sustainability Network. Their operational knowledge, whether it is implementing new service-based models or navigating compliance in multiple markets, will enrich our advocacy. This membership formalises a relationship that is both strategic and grounded in day-to-day business realities, helping us shape EU rules that truly work for the industry”.
“At Decathlon, we are thrilled to announce this membership which is a significant step in our commitment “to move people through the wonders of sport”. We look forward to collaborating with FESI and its members to promote sports participation, advocate for the values of sport, and contribute to the development of a more active and healthier Europe”, said Koen Tengrootenhuysen, Director Public Affairs Europe at DECATHLON.
Both organisations also share a strong commitment to promoting sport and physical activity through an inclusive approach. DECATHLON’s dedication to making sport accessible to everyone[3], through a broad product range and support for emerging disciplines like outdoor and urban sports, aligns closely with FESI’s priorities at EU level. In addition, both actively support a cross-sectoral approach to sport and physical activity, promoting their integration into key policy areas such as health, education, mobility (including active travel like cycling), and social inclusion. This shared vision strengthens sport’s role as a strategic public policy tool and sets the stage for deeper cooperation to combat physical inactivity across Europe.
Looking ahead, DECATHLON will appoint experts to participate in FESI’s steering committees and task forces, enabling them to actively engage in a vibrant network of industry leaders and benefit from FESI’s wide range of services: from policy monitoring and advocacy to strategic input, events, and peer-to-peer networking. By joining FESI, DECATHLON also strengthens its presence within a growing federation, enhancing its visibility and impact across the Brussels policy environment and the wider EU institutional landscape.
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About FESI: Founded in 1960 FESI – the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry represents the interests of approximately 1 800 sporting goods manufacturers (85% of the European market) through its National Sporting Goods Industry Federations and its directly affiliated member companies. 70-75% of FESI’s membership is made up of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. In total, the European Sporting Goods Industry employs over 700 000 EU citizens and has an annual turnover of some 81 billion euros.
About DECATHLON: A global multi-specialist sports brand catering for everyone from beginners to top athletes, Decathlon is an innovative manufacturer of sporting goods for all skill levels. With over 101,100 teammates and 1,817 stores worldwide, Decathlon and its teams have been working ever since 1976 to fulfil an ongoing ambition: Move people through the wonders of sport, to help them be healthier and happier in a sustainable future.
Contact: Ariane Gatti, FESI Senior Communication & Policy Manager – [email protected] / +32 274 08 94
[1] https://www.sgieurope.com/top-50-sporting-retailers-in-the-world-2022/106456.article
[2] https://www.decathlon-united.media/pressfiles/decathlon-signs-sustainable-consumption-pledge
[3] https://www.decathlon.in/shop/decathlon-back-to-sports-2019
