The grey zone between tactics and manipulation: The normalization of match-fixing in road cycling

Abstract

Match-fixing has already been studied in various sport disciplines. However, despite some well-known incidents in road cycling, match-fixing has barely been investigated in this unique sport discipline. Drawing on Ashforth and Anand’s theoretical model of normalization of corruption in organizations and on the perceptions of 15 active Belgian road cyclists, this study examines road cyclists’ attitudes towards collaboration and match-fixing in their sport. As the culture of agreements can be seen as part and parcel of road cycling itself, this study also examines whether agreements between cyclists are embedded, perpetuated, and thus normalized in road cycling. Using semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study indicates that road cyclists have a different understanding of match-fixing. By demonstrating that (a) cooperation between competitors happens routinely, (b) cyclists use self-serving explanations to justify these collaborations, and (c) newcomers are induced to engage in and accept collaborations with their competitors, we also indicate how normalized behaviors contribute to a grey zone that can be labelled as match-fixing. To enhance the future credibility of road cycling towards both fans and sponsors, additional clarifying and awareness-raising policy measures should be implemented.

Beyond the risk factors of sports-related match-fixing: Testing the applicability of situational action theory

“…However, the size of the sample used to arrive at these conclusions is an important limitation to their validity. Van Der Hoeven et al (2022) used a somewhat larger sample of 15 cyclists and confirmed using qualitative interviews that SRMF was indeed normalized in the sport, through three processes: institutionalization, normalization, and socialization. Yet, as was acknowledged by the authors, qualitative interviews about such sensitive topics can carry a large socially desirable nature.…”

“…SRMF is a sports integrity breach and a subtype of fraud in sport that is increasingly being studied empirically in different sports (e.g. Tak et al, 2020; Van Der Hoeven et al, 2022). In this study, we aimed to reach beyond the risk factor approach to this phenomenon by experimentally manipulating six dimensions within our factorial survey's vignettes.…”

“…feeling of guilt) was evaluated, as well as the injunctive social norm surrounding SRMF in their team. In fact, research has shown that social structures can have important influences on individuals’ decision-making with regards to SRMF (Loyens et al, 2022; Van Der Hoeven et al, 2022). Respondents were therefore asked to evaluate the reaction they would expect from their coach, teammates, and family if they had heard about their participation in SRMF.…”

Fraud vulnerabilities in sport federations: the role of culture, leadership, and control

“…Fraud can be normalized within organizations (Ashforth & Anand, 2003). Van Der Hoeven et al (2022) describe how match-fixing is normalized in road cycling through processes of institutionalization, rationalization and socialization. Considering the highly commercialized environment sport organizations operate in (Gammelsaeter, 2021), we argue that the sport 'industry' is a crime-facilitating industry, implying the presence of structural elements which create fraud vulnerabilities (Gobert & Punch, 2003).…”

Amaños de partidos y apuestas deportivas:

“…El Convenio entró en vigor el 1 de septiembre de 2019, tras la rati cación de Grecia, Italia, Noruega, Portugal, la República de Moldavia, Suiza y Ucrania. Otros 32 estados europeos, más Australia y Marruecos (Vandercruysse et al, 2022), han rmado el convenio, aunque no lo han rati cado aún.…”