Defining corruption and fraud in professional sport

The North Western branch of the Federal State Budget-Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education “The Russian State University of Justice”, Department of Criminal Law, Saint Petersburg, Russia

^* Corresponding author: kaf.up@mail.ru

Abstract

The first step in systemic addressing the problem of corruption is the comprehension of its scale and nature. This paper explores the extent of fraud and corruption in professional sport. In addition to exploring the forms of legal response, one should mention the improper coverage of the issues of counteracting corruption in professional sport. Fraud and, specifically, corruption in sport is difficult to assess. Most of all-Russian and regional sports federations, physical culture and sports associations tend not to recognise the existence of corruption or fraud in particular sports, or claim that fraud and corruption are under control. Purpose of the study: to explore the extent of corruption and fraud in professional sport. We present a systematic review of literature that explores corruption and fraud, identifying the factors of corruption and fraud in professional sport. To search for relevant studies, the published literature was identified as based on Scimagojr, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Sage Open, in search of relevant studies. Results and novelty: Some sports federations recognise that corruption and fraud are detrimental to fair play and integrity of the professional sport. It is a good practice to develop guidelines for sportsmen in relation to a particular professional sport, which outlines the deeds recognised as corruption and fraud, sets the procedure for their registration, assessment and measures to mitigate and counteract such threats. We have outlined the specifics of motivation for corruption and fraud in professional sport, which differs from the ways of corruption in other segments (like health, education, public service). Professional sports are not characterised by such traditional stimuli for corruption and fraud as poor working conditions and low wages, due to the fact that professional sportsmen are highly paid and their work conditions and social guarantees are much better than those of most ordinary people.