What are sports bodies doing about match fixing?

Many sports are investigating and managing this internally through appropriate rules and penalties drawn up by the various governing bodies. For example, the Football Association tackled the problem of match fixing by introducing a worldwide ban on betting on football for all those involved in the game at Premier League, Football League, National League and Women’s Super League levels, as well as those at clubs in the Northern, Southern and Isthmian leagues. These rules, introduced from 1 August 2014, apply to everyone involved in football, from the players and managers, to the match officials and club staff. Participants covered by the ban are prohibited from betting, either directly or indirectly, on any football match or competition that takes place anywhere in the world. The passing of inside information to somebody that uses the information for betting is also prohibited.

One of the fundamental aspects of the sporting competition is maintaining the so-called level playing field. Accordingly, offences of match fixing, which affect this level playing field, are seen as an important a problem as that of doping and illegal drug use in the sporting context.  As the offence of match fixing is dealt with internally by the sport involved, it will be the sporting national governing body to hand down the penalties for the offence. Anyone found match fixing (or attempting to) in English football, for example, will receive a FA charge. If found proved, this is likely to lead to a significant suspension, and in some instances, a lifetime ban.