A network analysis of the Belgian national platform against match-fixing

Abstract

Match-fixing (MF) is an important and growing threat to sport integrity worldwide. The Council of Europe constructed an international treaty – the Macolin Convention – suggesting signees to collaborate in local networks to tackle this complex issue. These networks (i.e. national platforms(NP)), consisting of sport actors, public authorities, sports betting operators and others, aim to improve (inter)national collaboration to better prevent, detect and sanction competition manipulation. Drawing from network theory, we conducted an in-depth case study of the Belgian NP against MF. Using social network analysis and semi-structured interviews, the structures and effectiveness of the network were assessed. The results indicated a fragmented network with low density, high centrality and moderate centralisation. Exchange mostly occurred in the light of preventing MF and, to a lesser extent, detecting or sanctioning it. Interviews revealed both internal (i.e. central coordination, lack of resources and dearth of formal agreements) and external (i.e. federated governing structures, inadequate laws and regulations and the omerta in sport) constraints to more (diverse) and stronger ties and a more integrative approach to tackling MF.