Key conclusions and recommendations

• Author: Argyro Elisavet Manoli
• Pages: 54-56

54

7.0 Key conclusions and recommendations

7.1 Key conclusions

The need to tackle corruption in sport is an important element of EU’s policy on sport

integrity. The rapid literature review undertaken for thi s study has shown that the more

detailed empirical studies of corruption in the EU tend to focus on the prevalence of

match-fixing and doping cases. This is reflected in th e mapping research for this study as

despite adopting a broad definition of corruption in setting the parameters of th e

research, the vast majority of cases identified from recent years in the sample countries

were identified as either doping or match fixing cases.

The mapp ing research h as emphasised the complex interplay of fact ors and contextual

issues that can influence match-fi xing activity. The research has also p rovided insights in

to the diversity of match-fixing practices and i ts association with other types of

corruption such as bribery and betting. Specific examples of match- fixing have also

revealed the importance of factors such as p ay levels of athletes and the level of media

exposure of specific matches.

Aside from match-fixing and doping, the mapping review has revealed very few

examples of other types of corruption in sport across the EU. This does not necessarily

mean that other types of corrupti on do not exist as such cases may be more difficult to

detect through mapping exercise which is reliant on using rapid research approaches

across a range of countries. The broader academic literature review indicates however

that due to the lack of a transparent system of reporting in sport, the sport industry has

become a fertile g round for other corrupti on activities such as money laundering and tax

evasion.

The mapping of responses at the Member St ate has revealed a variety o f measures that

have been implemented in recent years. These include: new legislation; new policy

initiatives; tight er regulations; more stringent fines; organisational restructuring;

educational programmes; multi-stakeholder platforms for information sharing; and

whistleblowing initiatives.

Based on a limited number of case studies, t he research has highlighted a number of key

conclusions with regard to the effectiveness of responses and particular features of

promising practices in this area:

 There is evidence that the introduction of stricter legal penalties reduces

levels of match-fixing: Legal penalties have been shown to work in countries

where there was previously a high prevalence of match fixing .

 There is a need to focus on preventative m easures as well as legal penalties:

the case studies hav e highlighted a range of education and awaren ess raising

initiatives that have be en shown to be successful i n terms o f take-up amongst sp ort

professionals and, based on anecdotal evidence, their ability to improve

understanding, influence behaviour and encourage reporting of suspicious b ehaviour.

 The role of multi-stakeholder groups fo r preventing and tackling cor ruption

in sport: some case studies have highlighted the potential for involving all relevant

actors in addressing specific corruption practices including judicial bodies,

government ministries, national sport agencies and federations.

 There is an increasing emphasis on promoting ‘good governance’ practices

in sport federations: such c odes are being introduced in order to address other