CORRUPTION IN FOOTBALL: MECHANISMS, ACTORS AND DRIVERS

Abstract

Corruption has existed since the beginning of time, and the first documented case of corruption related to sport took place 388 years BC. Several previous studies and research conclude that corruption appears in sport, and that it is a major problem. However, there are relatively few studies emphasising the main actors, mechanisms and drivers and that seek to find feasible solutions on how to prevent and decrease corruption in football. This thesis will use a comparative case study analysis of six cases in order to investigate the main actors, mechanisms and drivers. In the theoretical part, a special focus will be set on New Institutional Economics. The focus will be to see if this thinking can be an explanatory factor regarding whom the main actors are and reasons for their corruptive behaviour. The thesis will investigate how officials within FIFA, football clubs in Italy and Turkey and criminal organizations use their influence to corrupt the game. Political interference is prominent and some of the most politicians in the world are involved. It seems as football bodies and organizations with predominance of members from perceived highly corrupt countries are more adaptive to corruptive behaviour. Furthermore, lack of transparency provides fertile ground for corruption. Initiatives that aim to enhance transparency will contribute to prevent the possibilities for corruptive behaviour.