Decathlon, a champion of exploitation

Decathlon, a champion of exploitation

Investigation into the trade secrets of the most popular retailer in France

A year-long investigation into the heart of the Decathlon system. Confidential documents and unpublished employee testimonies uncovered by Disclose reveal the serious human and environmental consequences of the French sports giant’s low-cost strategy.

Decathlon: revelations on a champion of exploitation

Making innovative garments that are hard-wearing and above all affordable: this is Decathlon’s recipe for success. However, confidential documents obtained by Disclose tell a very different story about the sports retail giant. Child labour, exploited Uyghur workers in China, connections with deforestation in Brazil, etc.: our revelations show that the multinational is prepared to do anything to maximise profits.
Feb 06, 2025

Decathlon profits from Uyghur forced labour in China

A 12-year-old girl, workers from the Uyghur minority forced to make clothes, etc.: one of Decathlon’s main suppliers relies on a network of forced labour in China, as revealed by Disclose in partnership with Cash Investigation. The French brand’s clothing also contains cotton from the Xinjiang region which is under international sanctions.
Feb 04, 2025

Decathlon, the hard labour textile factory in Bangladesh

To offer the lowest possible prices, the French giant sports retailer has its garments made in one of the poorest countries in South Asia. There, Decathlon selects the subcontractors who pay the lowest wages, even if that means working with clandestine factories that are dangerous for employees, Disclose can reveal on the basis of confidential documents.
Dec 19, 2023

Decathlon’s "secret project" to keep doing business in Russia

A shell company in Dubai and a subsidiary in Singapore: French sports retail giant Decathlon has set up an opaque system to continue selling its products in Russia, although it announced its departure from the country. Internal documents seen by Disclose reveal that the multinational has pocketed at least $12m thanks to this secret contract.

Collections