Helena Frye
Match fixing, also known as game fixing, race fixing, throwing, rigging, or hippodroming, is a significant problem in organised sports, including badminton. It involves manipulating the outcome of a match for financial gain, to gain a future advantage, or to obtain a favourable draw. Betting-related match-fixing is linked to criminal activity, with fixers working in unregulated betting markets to generate quick and substantial profits. While match-fixing is challenging to detect and prove, particularly in badminton, it is considered a serious offence that undermines the integrity of the sport and the principle of fair competition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Playing or officiating a contest with the intention of achieving a predetermined result, violating the rules of the game and often the law. |
| Reasons | Financial gain, gaining a future advantage, blackmail, bribes from bookmakers or sports bettors. |
| Examples | 1933 Tripoli Grand Prix, 2012 Olympics badminton, 2018 Badminton World Federation suspensions of Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli. |
| Detection | Monitoring of betting patterns, suspicious betting patterns, reports from a betting monitoring company, inside information. |
| Prevention | Laws and regulations such as the Code on The Prevention Of The Manipulation Of Competitions, disciplinary action, investigations, suspensions. |
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What You'll Learn
Match fixing motivations
Match fixing in badminton, as in other sports, involves manipulating the outcome of a match for personal gain. This violates the rules of the game and often the law. While financial gain is a significant motivator, it is not the only reason behind match-fixing. Here are some common motivations behind match-fixing in badminton:
Financial Gain
Match-fixing is often driven by the desire for financial gain through illegal sports betting. Badminton players may be bribed or blackmailed by bookmakers, bettors, or crime syndicates to manipulate match outcomes. This involves contacts and money transfers between gamblers, players, officials, and/or referees. For example, in 2018, Malaysian badminton players Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli were found guilty of fixing matches during 2013 tournaments. Zulkiffli, in particular, was barred from badminton activities for 20 years.
Future Competitive Advantage
Competitors may deliberately lose a match to gain a future competitive advantage. In badminton, this could mean losing to face an easier opponent in the next round of a tournament. This tactic is sometimes called "tanking" or "sandbagging" in sports with a handicap or ranking system. For instance, during the 2012 London Olympics, several badminton players were penalised for deliberately underperforming to obtain a more favourable seeding in the knockout stage.
Draft Position Improvement
In some sports, teams may intentionally lose matches to improve their position in upcoming drafts, acquiring better players, and increasing their chances of success in future tournaments. This strategy is not specific to badminton but can be applied in any sport with a drafting system.
Evading Stronger Opponents
In certain tournament formats, losing a match can lead to a more favourable path in the competition, avoiding stronger opponents until later stages. This motivation is similar to gaining a future competitive advantage but focuses on evading specific formidable opponents rather than generally seeking easier competition.
Influence and Manipulation
Match-fixing can also be driven by the desire to influence and manipulate the outcome of a match without direct financial gain. This may involve passing on inside information to betting syndicates or manipulating pitch conditions to suit specific outcomes. In some cases, ex-players or individuals close to athletes may be used by bookmakers to gain access and influence players' performances.
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Match fixing in badminton history
Match fixing in badminton is a serious issue that threatens the integrity of the sport and the rights of athletes to compete in a fair and clean sporting contest. It involves the manipulation of match results or outcomes for personal gain, often linked to financial incentives and betting markets.
History of Match Fixing in Badminton
Match fixing has been a problem in organised sports for centuries, and badminton is no exception. One of the earliest recorded instances of match fixing in badminton dates back to 1985, when English badminton player Steve Baddeley claimed in The Times that "there is no doubt at all that the Chinese sometimes fix matches". That same year, Denmark's Kirsten Larsen accused Chinese players Li Lingwei and Han Aiping of fixing their finals match during the Chinese National Badminton Championships. These allegations brought the issue of match fixing in badminton into the spotlight.
In 2004, the problem of match fixing in badminton gained further attention when Chinese coach Li Yongbo admitted to fixing a match during the Summer Olympics. This admission led to the creation of an integrity panel by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to investigate match fixing allegations. During the 2012 Summer Olympics, the issue resurfaced as several women's doubles matches came under scrutiny, resulting in eight players being ejected for failing to use their "best efforts" to win.
More recently, in 2014, Danish Badminton Athletes Commission president Hans-Kristian Vittinghus and fellow Danish player Kim Astrup were approached via Facebook by an individual offering to fix matches. This incident was reported to the BWF, and in 2018, the federation issued lengthy suspensions to Malaysian players Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli for fixing matches during 2013 tournaments.
Match fixing in badminton continues to be a concern, with some suggesting that it may be more widespread than people think. The BWF has implemented measures to combat this issue, including monitoring betting patterns and establishing a whistleblower system to encourage the reporting of any suspicious activities.
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Match fixing detection
Match-fixing in badminton, as in other sports, involves the manipulation of a match or tournament's outcome for personal gain. This may involve a player or team deliberately losing a match, or not performing to the best of their ability, in order to gain a future competitive advantage or for financial gain through betting or bribes.
Detection Methods
Match-fixing detection in badminton can be challenging, but there are several methods that can be employed to identify potential instances of manipulation:
- Monitoring Betting Patterns: Badminton governing bodies, such as the Badminton World Federation (BWF), often collaborate with betting monitoring companies to track betting patterns on sanctioned tournaments. Unusual or suspicious betting patterns may indicate potential match-fixing.
- Inside Information: Keeping an eye out for inside information, or non-public information relating to a tournament or match, is crucial. This includes information about player participation or performance that could be used for match-fixing purposes. Anyone with knowledge of such information has an obligation to refrain from sharing it to prevent its misuse.
- Player and Personnel Behaviour: An "approach" refers to any communication or contact with a player to fix a match result. Players, coaches, and tournament personnel should be vigilant and report any suspicious communications or offers to influence match outcomes.
- Performance Analysis: Analyzing player and team performance during matches can help identify potential match-fixing. Unusual playing strategies, simple errors, or a noticeable lack of effort could indicate deliberate attempts to influence the outcome.
- Investigations: When allegations or suspicions of match-fixing arise, independent investigations can be conducted. These may involve examining financial records, communication data, and other relevant information to uncover evidence of match-fixing.
- Technology and Data Analytics: Specialized sports technology companies can be employed to monitor and analyze betting patterns and match data for potential signs of manipulation. These companies use advanced data analytics to detect abnormal betting patterns and identify potential match-fixing attempts.
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Match fixing penalties
Match fixing in badminton may result in a range of penalties, depending on the severity of the incident and the governing body issuing the punishment. Here are some examples of penalties that have been imposed in response to match-fixing allegations in badminton and other sports:
Suspensions
Suspensions are a common penalty for match-fixing. For example, in 2018, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) issued suspensions of 15 and 20 years to Malaysian players Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli, respectively, for fixing matches during various 2013 tournaments. In another case, three players from the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) were suspended indefinitely for match-fixing in 2008.
Fines and Monetary Penalties
Monetary penalties may also be imposed in addition to or instead of suspensions. In some cases, players may be required to forfeit any winnings or profits obtained through match-fixing activities.
Bans
In extreme cases, players may be banned from competing in a particular sport or league for life. For example, during the Black Mist Scandal in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan, ten players were banned from the NPB for life for their involvement in match-fixing.
Criminal Prosecution
Match fixing, especially when motivated by financial gain or bribery, can be a criminal offence. In some jurisdictions, match-fixing may result in prison sentences or other legal consequences. For example, in Singapore, a former Malaysian national football player was sentenced to two years in prison for match-fixing.
Loss of Titles and Honours
In addition to legal and financial penalties, athletes may also face repercussions from sporting organisations and governing bodies. This could include the revocation of titles, medals, or honours obtained through match-fixing activities.
Other Sanctions
Other sanctions may include removal from tournaments, ranking reductions, or other disciplinary actions taken by the relevant sporting organisation or governing body.
It is important to note that the penalties for match-fixing may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case, the jurisdiction in which it occurs, and the governing body overseeing the sport. The regulations and ethical guidelines related to match-fixing in badminton can be found in the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) Statutes, specifically in Chapter 2 – Ethics, Section 2.4, which includes the Code on The Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions.
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Match fixing prevention
Match fixing is a violation of the rules of the game and often the law. It involves manipulating the outcome of a match in organised sports, often for financial gain. Badminton is no exception to match-fixing, with several incidents of match-fixing being reported over the years.
To prevent match-fixing in badminton, here are some measures that can be implemented:
- Education and Training: All athletes, coaches, team managers, and administrators should receive education and training on the integrity of sports and the consequences of match-fixing. They should be made aware of the tactics used by fixers and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity.
- Reporting Obligations: As outlined in the BWF Code on The Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, everyone involved in badminton has an obligation to report any activity that could be an offence. This includes match-fixing attempts, inside information being used corruptly, and any other corruption offences.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has agreements with betting monitoring companies to monitor betting patterns on matches. These companies analyse betting patterns and report any suspicious activity to the BWF. This surveillance helps identify potential match-fixing attempts and allows for early intervention.
- Strict Enforcement of Regulations: The BWF has a comprehensive set of regulations in Chapter 2 – Ethics of the BWF Statutes, which includes the Code on The Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions. These regulations outline offences such as not using best efforts, soliciting, betting, and inside information misuse. Strict enforcement of these regulations is essential, with severe penalties for those found guilty.
- Collaboration with Authorities: BWF should collaborate with law enforcement agencies and gambling regulators to disrupt the activities of criminal syndicates involved in betting-related match-fixing. By sharing information and intelligence, BWF can contribute to the disruption and prosecution of criminal activities linked to match-fixing.
- Promoting Fair Play: Emphasising the importance of fair play and the integrity of the sport can help deter athletes from engaging in match-fixing. Encouraging athletes to compete based on their skill and talent, rather than external factors, reinforces the values of the sport and may reduce the incentive to fix matches.
By implementing these measures, badminton authorities can actively work towards preventing match-fixing and promoting the integrity and fairness of the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Match-fixing in badminton refers to the manipulation of a match or its outcome, often for financial gain or to gain a competitive advantage.
Badminton players may fix matches for financial gain through betting or to gain a competitive advantage by losing a match to face an easier opponent in the next round.
Badminton players can fix matches by deliberately losing or not using their best efforts. They can also share inside information or be approached by fixers in betting markets to throw a game.
The consequences of match-fixing in badminton can vary depending on the governing body and the country. In some cases, players may face suspensions or bans, while in other cases, there may be no disciplinary action.
Yes, there have been several notable examples of match-fixing in badminton. In 2018, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) issued suspensions to Malaysian players Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli for fixing matches during 2013 tournaments. In 1985, English badminton player Steve Baddeley accused Chinese players Li Lingwei and Han Aiping of fixing their finals match during the Chinese National Badminton Championships.
