Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of stakeholders regarding sports manipulation: results of the IntegriSport 3.0 transnational study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v82.119390Keywords:
Sports integrity, Legal frameworks, Sports manipulation, Risk perceptionAbstract
Introduction: The manipulation of sports competitions (match-fixing) constitutes a growing threat to the integrity of sport, with a transnational dimension and a frequent link to organized crime, sports betting, and the use of new technologies such as esports and virtual currencies.
Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the level of knowledge, risk perception, and professional practices of key institutional stakeholders involved in the prevention and investigation of sports manipulation in six European countries.
Methodology: A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining a situational survey administered to 280 professionals, 79 qualitative interviews conducted during on-site Fact-Finding Missions, and a comparative documentary analysis of the regulatory frameworks and registered cases in Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Romania, and Spain.
Results: The results showed a low level of risk perception in several countries, limited knowledge of the Macolin Convention—with an unawareness rate exceeding 60% in three of the six analyzed contexts—and limited practical experience, as more than 80% of the respondents had not participated in sports manipulation investigations. Furthermore, significant differences between national legal frameworks and a widespread lack of specialized police units were identified.
Discussion: These findings are consistent with previous studies indicating the low institutional prioritization of match-fixing, and they highlight structural deficiencies in training, inter-institutional cooperation, and investigative capacity.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate the need for a coordinated European strategy that strengthens the regulatory framework, consolidates specialized training, and improves cooperation mechanisms to effectively protect the integrity of sport.
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