In 2016, the Norwegian Gambling Authority set up a national unit tasked with mapping, preventing and combating the manipulation of sports results and match fixing in Norway. The national match fixing unit is tasked with coordinating the work and serving as an information hub.
If you are aware of any cases of match fixing or manipulation of results, please notify us. You can remain anonymous, if you prefer.
What is match fixing?
Match fixing comprises all forms of manipulation of sports results. It can include the following:
paying an opponent to fix an event to achieve the desired result
manipulating results for personal gain in order to make money by placing bets with a betting company
losing a match on purpose in order to face an easier opponent in the next match
The National Action Plan against Match Fixing in Sport is a collaboration between Norwegian authorities, sports associations and clubs, and betting companies. The Action Plan defines match fixing as follows:
“Manipulation of a sporting event where the actors involved (athletes, trainers, managers, referees etc.) seek to manipulate the outcome of the event or a single aspect of the event for financial gain for themselves or others.”
What is prohibited?
Match fixing can be roughly divided into three categories:
Traditional manipulation of the final outcome. A team or individual is paid to lose.
Manipulation of a particular event that does not necessarily influence the outcome of the event. For example, the first throw-in or corner (spot fixing).
Manipulation of the final result but not the outcome of the event. For example, goalkeepers are paid to let in a minimum number of goals (point shaving).
What is permitted?
Many sports have distinctive characteristics and traditions for organising events that do not constitute match fixing. For example, athletes or teams are allowed to save their strength based on a tactical assessment. The fundamental values on which sport are based are therefore important guiding principles. This is closely linked to good training of managers and athletes.
Risk and punishment
A chance to make easy money can be tempting, but it may have serious consequences for the parties involved and for the sport as a whole:
The manipulation of sports results constitutes corruption and can lead to imprisonment and/or a heavy fine.
It may also lead to the offender being banned or suspended from the sport.
It can ruin the offender’s career.
It can lead to negative media coverage for the offender.
It can make the offender vulnerable to pressure from criminal groups.
Section 11-20 of the Act relating to the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (Norwegian only) contains special provisions on the manipulation of sporting events. It is a criminal offence not to report cases of manipulation.
The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) has separate rules for players, coaches and referees. For example, they are subject to a duty of notification and have limitied rights to bet on matches.