2022, Volume 18, Issue 1
The phenomenon of corruption in sports on the example of soccer games in Poland
Kazimierz Witkowski1, Robert Stalowski1
1Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
Author for correspondence: Kazimierz Witkowski; Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland; email: kazimierz.witkowski@awf.wroc.pl
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Abstract
Background & Study Aim: The phenomenon of corruption in sports is linked to profits on the huge social interest in maximizing sports performance and identifying with sports clubs. At the forefront of the escalation of corruption in sports is soccer, as the most popular sport in the world. The purpose of this article there are examples of corruption in football.
Material & Methods: Media reports on corruption in Polish soccer were analysed. The text refers to three cases of corruption in which charges were proven and court cases resulted in convictions.
Results: It was found that in the cases analysed, the corruption procedure in Polish soccer affected the sports community as a whole. Involved were players, referees, activists, fans and external companies.
Conclusions: Although corruption scandals in Polish soccer have quieted down, it cannot be ruled out that the practice is still going on. In the prevention of corruption in sports, emphasis should be placed on close cooperation between the law authorities and the sports community.
Key words: team sports games, sports ethics, sports law, business in sports