“Corruption in Sport” is the title of the focus developed by the Criminal Analysis Service of the Central Directorate of Criminal Police, the body that Lega B relies on to prevent and combat match fixing and that, more generally at a national level, fights attempts to infiltrate crime in the sector as well as episodes of sports fraud. The document gives an account of a series of initiatives, including international ones, aimed at combating the phenomenon in its global form.
The report highlights how criminal organizations, including foreign ones, manage to infiltrate the sports sector through a variety of illicit conduct.
The European Sports Charter, in Article 1, calls on governments to promote sport as an important factor for human development, with the aim of protecting and developing the moral and ethical foundations of sport, as well as the human dignity and safety of all participants.
Italy has proven to be at the forefront in preventing sports corruption through the creation of the Sports Betting Information Unit (UISS). Chaired by the Deputy Director General of Public Security and Central Director of the Criminal Police, the UISS includes representatives of the police forces, institutions and the world of sports.
Among the initiatives adopted over the years are specific training for the Police Force and the promotion of fundamental values such as respect, legality, correctness, integrity and fair play.
In parallel with the UISS, the Sports Betting Investigation Group (GISS) operates, which, coordinated by the Director of the Criminal Analysis Service and composed of representatives of the Police Forces and the Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate, has the task of countering attempts at criminal infiltration into sports.
During the 2021-2024 seasons, GISS received 33 reports relating to sporting events, 16 of which were abroad:
• 21 reports for Football (6 abroad);
• 6 for Tennis (all abroad);
• 3 for Table Tennis (all abroad);
• 3 for Volleyball (1 abroad).
Investigations conducted in collaboration with the Interpol Match Fixing Task Force have revealed new modus operandi in the manipulation of sports competitions, highlighting a significant risk also for minor and amateur leagues.
The focus is on an increase in illegal activities online, with a sophisticated use of technological tools for electronic payments and identity theft for opening online gaming accounts. In addition, specific programs are used to evade automatic betting monitoring systems.
In addition to anti-corruption regulations and provisions against organized crime and money laundering, a crucial role in preventing sports corruption is played by “soft law” represented by guidelines and codes of ethics, which are fundamental tools for strengthening legality in the sports sector.
The Italian authorities continue to work to maintain a high level of integrity and transparency in sport, thus protecting a sector that represents not only an important economic activity but also a fundamental social and cultural value.