What does a sports governing body actually do?
It writes and enforces the rules of a sport, sanctions competitions, and represents the sport internationally — sitting in a pyramid structure that runs from a global federation down through continental and national bodies to clubs.
The functions, which are more varied than "making the rules":
Rule-making. Defining the laws of the game and amending them, usually through a specific body — in football, notably, the laws are held by a separate board rather than by the world federation itself.
Sanctioning competitions, which is the real source of power: a competition that is not sanctioned may not be able to use registered players, officials or venues, and its results are not recognised.
Registration and eligibility of players, including nationality rules and transfer systems.
Licensing and discipline, covering clubs, agents, coaches and officials.
Anti-doping, in coordination with national and international agencies.
Development and participation at grassroots level, generally funded by the elite game.
Selling the commercial rights to their competitions, which is where most revenue originates.
Why they have so much authority. Sport is largely self-regulating, and membership is contractual: joining the pyramid means agreeing to be bound by its rules, including its dispute resolution. This structure allows a sport to be governed consistently worldwide — and concentrates enormous power in bodies that are private associations rather than public authorities.
The recurring criticisms, which are substantive:
Accountability. Governing bodies are answerable primarily to their own member associations, which they also fund.
Conflict of interest, regulating a sport while commercially exploiting it.
Governance failures, with several major federations having faced corruption prosecutions.
Athlete voice, historically weak in decisions about scheduling, conditions and image rights.
Restraint of trade. Rules preventing participation in unsanctioned competitions have been repeatedly challenged, and courts have increasingly held that a body cannot be both sole regulator and sole commercial gatekeeper without safeguards.
National bodies hold the equivalent role domestically and distribute public funding.