An exploratory study on fraud in sports
As suggested by several prominent cases, such as the Belgian ‘Clean Hands’ case, the sports sector is, like many others, vulnerable to fraud. Current research on fraud in sports, though, usually focuses on sports-specific fraud, such as match-fixing or doping. There has been comparatively little focus on ‘generic’ (or non-sports-specific) fraud in sports. In the present study, we provide a first, empirical overview of sports-related generic fraud in Belgium, identifying its manifestations and related trends. The data were collected via a mixed-method research design, combining an analysis of criminal, administrative and disciplinary proceedings (n=37) with interviews with state and sports actors (n=33). Six main types were identified, namely: tax, subsidy, social, licencing, insider, and outsider fraud, classified across the spectrum from vertical to horizontal fraud. These frauds involve a wide variety of actors, seeking both sportive and financial benefits, in various sports and at different levels (being the amateur or professional level). The frauds can be linked to other criminal activities, such as money laundering or corruption. The study highlights the underexplored realm of sports-related
generic fraud, and emphasises that tackling fraud in sports should equally focus on the various manifestations of generic fraud. Lastly, it points to characteristics unique to the offences and the sector, and questions the current stance of state and sports actors vis-à-vis generic frauds.