The Extent of Fraud and Corruption in Sport

Abstract

In this chapter we examine the extent of fraud and corruption in sport. As Chapter 2 illustrated, fraud and corruption are difficult to define and, as such, this will affect the extent to which fraud and corruption in sport can be measured. We do not hold the view, however, that it is impossible to measure fraud to some extent (Levi, 2008); it is more the case of how it is measured that is a problem (see Gee et al., 2009, 2010, 2011; Méndez and Sepúlveda, 2009). Fraud, like all crime, and especially corruption, are nonetheless difficult to measure, and this is further compounded by the lack of interest and limitations that sporting bodies have in recognising and then dealing with this problem, as the cases throughout the book will show. The majority of sporting bodies often fail to accept that sport is a victim of fraud or corruption, play down the potential for fraud and corruption or claim that fraud and corruption is under control. This, as we will demonstrate, is far from the truth. Even if these sporting bodies accept the threat fraud and corruption have on the integrity and commercial revenue of sport (Gorse and Chadwick, 2012), the starting point is to record and measure the cases of fraud and corruption and put measures in place that reduce and counteract such a threat.