Nastas, Natalia, Ecaterina Lungu, and Natalia Putin. "New impact in sports corruption." In The International Scientific Congress "Sports. Olimpysm. Health". SOH 2023. 8th Edition. The State University of Physical Education and Sport, 2025. https://doi.org/10.52449/soh23.39.
Abstract:
Actuality. Corruption in sports refers to any unethical or illegal activities that compromise the integrity of sporting events, organizations, or athletes. It can take various forms, including match-fixing, doping, bribery, embezzlement, and other forms of dishonest behavior. Corruption in sports not only tarnishes the reputation of the games but also undermines the principles of fair competition and sportsmanship. Here are some key aspects and examples of corruption in sports: Match-Fixing: Match-fixing occurs when athletes, officials, or individuals involved in sports conspire to manipulate the outcome of a game or event. This can involve intentionally losing, scoring own goals, or ensuring that certain outcomes occur to benefit those involved in the fix, often for financial gain. Doping: Doping involves the use of banned substances or methods to enhance an athlete's performance. This practice is not only unethical but also poses health risks to athletes. Organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) work to combat doping in sports by implementing testing and regulations. Bribery and Corruption: Corruption can also manifest as bribery, where athletes or officials accept money or gifts to influence their decisions or actions in sports. This can range from bribing referees to influence match outcomes to paying off officials for favorable treatment. Embezzlement: Embezzlement occurs when individuals in positions of trust within sports organizations misappropriate funds for personal gain. This can involve stealing ticket revenue, sponsorship money, or other financial resources meant for the development of sports. Governance Issues: Sports organizations, including governing bodies and national associations, may become corrupt when leaders or officials engage in fraudulent practices, such as nepotism, misappropriation of funds, or election rigging. Gambling: The rise of sports betting can also contribute to corruption, as individuals may attempt to manipulate outcomes to profit from their bets. This can create incentives for match-fixing and other forms of cheating. The purpose of the research is to present a summary of the scientific literature on the threats to corruption in sport; introduce a framework to categorise these threats; identify research gaps in the field and provide safeguarding recommendations for sport organizations. Corruption in sports serves various purposes, although all of them are unethical and detrimental to the integrity of sports and fair competition. It's important to note that corruption in sports is not justifiable, and its purposes are harmful. Here are some of the purposes behind corruption in sports: Financial Gain: One of the primary purposes of corruption in sports is financial gain. Individuals involved in corrupt practices, such as match-fixing, bribery, or embezzlement, seek to profit from their actions. This can involve players, coaches, officials, or even organized crime syndicates looking to make money through illegal means. Influence and Power: Corruption can also be driven by the desire for influence and power within the sports world. Individuals may engage in corrupt activities to secure positions of authority, gain control over sports organizations, or manipulate the outcomes of events to their advantage. Preservation of Reputation: In some cases, athletes or teams may resort to corrupt practices to protect or enhance their reputation. This can involve doping to achieve better results and maintain a positive public image, even if it means cheating. Maintaining Employment: Athletes, coaches, and other individuals involved in sports may engage in corrupt practices to ensure their continued employment or contract extensions. This can include actions such as point-shaving in team sports to influence the final score without drawing suspicion. Research into corruption in sports typically employs various methods to gather data, analyze trends, and uncover the underlying causes and consequences of corrupt practices. These research methods can be broadly categorized into quantitative and qualitative approaches, and they often involve a combination of techniques. Here are some common methods used in researching corruption in sports: Surveys and Questionnaires: surveys or questionnaires to collect data from athletes, coaches, officials, and other stakeholders in the sports world. These surveys can ask about personal experiences with corruption, perceptions of corruption within the sport, and attitudes toward anti-corruption measures. Interviews: In-depth interviews with key informants, such as athletes, coaches, sports officials, and experts, can provide valuable qualitative data. Interviews allow researchers to explore the motivations, behaviors, and perspectives of individuals involved in or affected by corruption in sports. Content Analysis: Researchers analyze written, audiovisual, or digital content related to sports, such as news articles, social media discussions, and legal documents. Content analysis can help identify and track instances of corruption, as well as public reactions and perceptions. Case Studies: Researchers often conduct detailed case studies of specific instances of corruption in sports. This qualitative approach involves in-depth examination of the circumstances, individuals involved, and consequences of particular corruption cases. Data Mining: With the proliferation of digital data, researchers can use data mining techniques to extract valuable insights from vast datasets related to sports, including financial transactions, betting patterns, and social media interactions. Data mining can help detect irregularities and suspicious activities. Observation: Ethnographic research involves observing and immersing oneself in the sports environment to gain firsthand insights into the culture, practices, and dynamics related to corruption. Researchers may attend sporting events, interact with participants, and document their observations. Secondary Data Analysis: Researchers often analyze existing datasets and reports related to sports corruption. This can include data from sports governing bodies, law enforcement agencies, and academic studies. Secondary data analysis allows for the examination of trends and patterns over time. Surveillance and Whistleblower Reports: Surveillance methods and whistleblower reports can be valuable sources of information on corrupt activities in sports. These reports can include evidence of match-fixing, doping, and other illicit activities. Network Analysis: Researchers use network analysis techniques to map out relationships and connections among individuals and organizations involved in corruption in sports. This approach helps identify key actors and their roles in corrupt networks. Comparative Studies: Comparative research involves analyzing corruption in sports across different countries, regions, or sports disciplines. This approach allows researchers to identify variations in corrupt practices and anti-corruption efforts. Research findings and results in the area of corruption in sports have revealed numerous insights into the extent, causes, consequences, and strategies to combat corruption within the sports industry. While specific findings can vary depending on the research focus and methodology, here are some common themes and key findings from studies on corruption in sports: Prevalence of Corruption: Research consistently highlights that corruption in sports is a widespread problem that affects various sports disciplines and regions across the world. Studies have documented cases of match-fixing, doping, bribery, and embezzlement in both amateur and professional sports. Financial Impact: Corruption in sports can have significant financial consequences. Research has shown that match-fixing and doping scandals can lead to financial losses for sports organizations, sponsors, and broadcasters. Additionally, corruption can deter legitimate investment in sports. Motivations: Studies often explore the motivations behind corrupt practices in sports. Financial gain, the pursuit of power and influence, and a desire for success or recognition are among the primary motivations identified for individuals involved in corruption in sports. In conclusion, corruption in sports represents a significant and multifaceted challenge that has far-reaching consequences for athletes, organizations, fans, and the integrity of sports as a whole. The findings and research in this area have shed light on the prevalence, motivations, and impacts of corruption in various sports disciplines around the world. Corruption in sports encompasses practices such as match-fixing, doping, bribery, embezzlement, and more, with financial gain, power, and influence often serving as key motivations. It is not limited to a particular sport or region, and it can undermine the very essence of fair competition, sportsmanship, and trust that underpin the sporting world. Efforts to combat corruption in sports involve a combination of stringent regulations, effective monitoring and enforcement, education and awareness programs, whistleblower protection, and enhanced transparency and governance within sports organizations. Technology also plays a pivotal role in both detecting and perpetrating corruption, presenting both challenges and opportunities for anti-corruption efforts. Preserving the integrity of sports is essential not only for the well-being of athletes but also for maintaining the trust and enthusiasm of fans and sponsors. Corruption erodes the core values of sports and can lead to financial losses, damaged reputations, and a decline in fan engagement.