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Match Fixing: The Big Mafia Business

John Steinbeck

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Published in Doug Morneau

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Match-fixing is a global scourge that has infected the very fabric of sports. It is a form of organized crime that involves manipulating the outcome of sporting events for financial gain. While match-fixing has been around for centuries, it has grown in scope and sophistication in recent years, thanks in large part to the rise of online betting.

The mafia has long been involved in match-fixing, seeing it as a lucrative way to make money. Mafia groups have been known to bribe players, referees, and even entire teams to ensure the desired outcome of a game. They use their vast resources and influence to intimidate and coerce those involved in the sport, and they often have connections to corrupt officials who look the other way.

MATCH FIXING: The Big Mafia Business

by Doug Morneau

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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How Match-Fixing Works

Match-fixing can take many different forms, but the most common is to bribe one or more players on a team to deliberately lose or underperform. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as offering the player money, gifts, or even threats. In some cases, the player may be asked to simply throw the game, while in others they may be asked to perform in a way that will ensure the desired outcome.

Another common form of match-fixing is to bribe the referee or other officials in the game. This can be done in order to influence the outcome of the game in a number of ways, such as by awarding penalties, sending off players, or making incorrect calls.

Match-fixing can also be carried out by manipulating the betting market. This can be done by placing large bets on a particular outcome, which can then cause the odds to shift in favor of that outcome. This can make it more difficult for other bettors to identify the fixed game, and it can also help to legitimize the fixed outcome.

The Impact of Match-Fixing

Match-fixing has a devastating impact on sports. It undermines the integrity of the game and makes it difficult for fans to trust the results. It also damages the reputation of the sport and can lead to financial losses for leagues, teams, and sponsors.

In addition to the financial impact, match-fixing can also have a negative impact on the mental health of athletes. Athletes who are involved in match-fixing may feel guilty or ashamed, and they may fear retaliation from the mafia or other criminal groups. They may also lose their trust in the sport and in their teammates.

The Fight Against Match-Fixing

The fight against match-fixing is a complex and challenging one. It requires a coordinated effort from law enforcement, sports governing bodies, and betting operators.

Law enforcement plays a critical role in investigating and prosecuting match-fixing cases. They can use a variety of tools to gather evidence, such as wiretaps, surveillance, and financial records. They can also work with international law enforcement agencies to track down and arrest suspects.

Sports governing bodies also have a role to play in the fight against match-fixing. They can implement rules and regulations to deter match-fixing, and they can investigate and punish athletes and officials who are involved in match-fixing. They can also work with law enforcement to gather evidence and build cases.

Betting operators can also help to combat match-fixing by monitoring their betting markets for suspicious activity. They can report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or to sports governing bodies. They can also implement measures to make it more difficult for bettors to manipulate the betting market.

Match-fixing is a serious problem that threatens the integrity of sports. It is a global problem that requires a coordinated effort from law enforcement, sports governing bodies, and betting operators to combat. By working together, we can protect the integrity of sports and ensure that fans can trust the results of games.

Additional Resources

* [FIFA's Anti-Match-Fixing Task Force](https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/governance/anti-match-fixing-task-force) * [UEFA's Betting Fraud Detection System](https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/football-governance/news/newsid=2509962.html) * [Interpol's Match-Fixing Task Force](https://www.interpol.int/en/Crimes/Match-fixing)

MATCH FIXING: The Big Mafia Business

by Doug Morneau

5 out of 5