Introduction

Sport is a global phenomenon engaging billions of people and generating annual revenues of more than US$145 billion. It also has intricate ties to political and private interests and severe deficiencies in many of its leading organisations' governance structures. This means rich opportunities for corruption. Yet across the sporting sector, most deals and decisions take place behind closed doors. This allows corruption to go unchecked and unpunished.

Corruption in sport has many forms. Referees and players can take bribes to fix matches. Club owners can demand kickbacks for player transfers. Companies and governments can rig bids for construction contracts. Organised crime is behind many of the betting scandals that have dented sport’s reputation. Money laundering is widespread, and can take place through sponsorship and advertising arrangements or through the purchase of clubs, players and image rights. Complex techniques are used to launder money through football and other sports, including cross-border transfers, tax havens and front companies.

Governments must work closely with the international gaming industry and anti-fraud organisations. Then they can follow the money in betting. Sporting organisations can write anti-corruption measures into their constitutions and codes of conduct. And clear regulations and openness in player transfers will protect the employment market. But we must make sure rules are actively enforced.

Open, competitive bidding processes will help prevent corruption when host cities or venues are chosen for sporting events. They’re also essential in bids for major projects, such as building stadiums. Bids need to be monitored to make sure they’re fair. Sponsors can play their part by promoting ethics in sport as part of their corporate responsibility programmes. The media also has the power to raise awareness about corruption in sport. With these changes to the rules of the game, the sector can regain its reputation for fair play.

For further information, see Transparency international's Corruption in Sport Initiative.