Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Economic Crime

SPORT-RELATED CORRUPTION

Sport-related corruption refers to corrupt acts that are not directly linked to the competition itself but to the various aspects of its planning, implementation and administration, such as the transfer of athletes, governance of sports organizations and the management of major sports events.

Transfer of athletes

Corruption in the transfer of athletes refers to illegal or unethical practices that occur during the negotiation, transfer or registration of athletes between sports clubs or organizations. This can involve bribery, tax evasion, money-laundering, human trafficking or age fraud.

Transfer of athletes is a major area for corruption as it provides ample cover for organized criminal groups to conduct illegal activities mostly related to money-laundering. Unlicensed agents and intermediaries, often posing as scouts, commonly bypass licensing requirements to exploit vulnerable young players, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas with high crime rates. These agents engage in corrupt practices like bribery and informal "gentlemen’s agreements" to manipulate competitions and secure control over promising athletes for financial gain.

Governance of sports organizations

There are several corruption risks linked in this particular area that include but are not limited to abuse of authority, conflicts of interest, nepotism, embezzlement of funds, favouritism in contract awards and money-laundering.

Organization of major sports events and tournaments

Major sports events and tournaments are some of the most-watched events on the planet and serve as showpieces of the role of sport in society. These events can transform host cities and countries, driving the development of urban infrastructure, boosting social cohesion and empowering local communities by involving them in a shared experience. Corruption in the organization of major sports events refers to any illegal, immoral or unethical activity that attempts to distort the fair and transparent management of such events. This can include bribery, bid-rigging, embezzlement and conflict of interest.

Section 10 of the UNODC Global Report on Corruption in Sport: Major sports events and corruption

Offering for the first time a truly comprehensive look at corruption in sport, this global report reveals the staggering scale, manifestation and complexity of corruption and criminal networks in sport at international and national level. Section 10 is dedicated to major sports event and corruption.

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United Nations

Office on Drugs and Crime

Corruption and Financial Crime Branch

Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Economic Crime

SPORT-RELATED CORRUPTION

Transfer of athletes

Governance of sports organizations

Organization of major sports events and tournaments

Section 10 of the UNODC Global Report on Corruption in Sport: Major sports events and corruption

Resources

UNODC | 2022

Crime, Corruption and Wrongdoing in the Transfer of Football Players and Other Athletes

UNODC | 2016

Safeguarding against Corruption in Major Public Events: Facilitator’s Guide

United Nations

Office on Drugs and Crime

Corruption and Financial Crime Branch

Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Economic Crime

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SPORT-RELATED CORRUPTION

Transfer of athletes

Governance of sports organizations

Organization of major sports events and tournaments

Section 10 of the UNODC Global Report on Corruption in Sport: Major sports events and corruption

Resources

UNODC | 2022

Crime, Corruption and Wrongdoing in the Transfer of Football Players and Other Athletes

UNODC | 2016

Safeguarding against Corruption in Major Public Events: Facilitator’s Guide