Analysis of patterns and trends in competition manipulation in sport global data: 2018–2023

David Lavallee, Dieter Braekeveld, Neil Hall, Lucy Sheppard-Marks, Claudio Marinelli

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Abstract

Competition manipulation in sports has evolved from a localized issue to a global concern. Advances in technology and the growth of sports betting markets have attracted criminal networks that manipulate sporting events for financial gain. The aim of this study was to examine patterns and trends in competition manipulation in sport from a global dataset over a 6-year period. Manipulation of sports competition investigations and sanctions were assessed across world regions and sports. The Macolin Convention typology was also employed to categorize manipulation types and instigators. Results showed an increase in investigations and sanctions year-on-year, with Europe consistently having the highest numbers annually. The majority of investigations and sanctions were consistent across the sports of football, cricket, and tennis, and also an emerging trend in sanctions in esports. Investigation types have mostly been due to direct interference of a sports competition or use of external means. The instigator of manipulation trends shifted from opportunistic types to the exploitation of power or influence. The patterns and trends reported can help inform the work of sport management professionals.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages12
JournalManaging Sport and Leisure
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print (In Press) - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • Macolin Convention
  • match fixing
  • national central bureau zones
  • serious organized crime

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