Prior to Christmas the International Olympic Committee (IOC) published a new Olympic Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions.
The new Code represents a significant step by the IOC and the Olympic movement to address the growing threat to sports integrity presented by sports betting corruption i.e. match-fixing, spot-fixing and misuse of inside information.
For the first time the Code sets out harmonised regulations to protect all competitions from manipulation. The Code establishes various different betting corruption offences, minimum standards for disciplinary procedures and the scope of potential sanctions. The Code will be implemented at the forthcoming Rio Olympic Games in August.
Importantly, any sports organisation bound by the Olympic Charter is expected to respect the provisions of the new Code. In practice this means all National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations (IFs) and their members at a national level – i.e. including UK National Governing Bodies – must comply with the Code. In addition, all relevant organisations are expected to ensure that their athletes, officials and support personnel are provided with education about the provisions contained within the Code.
Responding to the new Code, Emma Boggis, Chief Executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance and Chair of the Sports Betting Group said: “The new Olympic Code is an important step and emphasises the importance of ensuring all sports – including those that may have historically considered themselves to be at low-risk from betting corruption – are proactive and put in place robust measures to protect integrity. Through our work with the Sports Betting Group, we are well placed to support our members with advice and guidance on how best to protect against these threats.”
Any members wishing to find out more about the IOC Code or the work of the Sports Betting Group are encouraged to contact us for more information.
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