Biggest Sports Scandals: Sports are full of inspiring stories that have stayed with generations. These stories are aspirational and evoke feelings of pride, passion, and unity. However, there is another side to the world of sports that leans towards a more scandalous side. From corruption to charges where financial activities of an illegal nature have been alleged to match-fixing, the sports world has not been immune to scandals.
These are 4 of the biggest sports scandals of the 21st Century:
FIFA Corruption Scandal 2015
This is one of the biggest scandals that happened in sports. It brought forth the large-scale bribery that was happening at the highest levels in football’s governing body.
Investigations were undertaken by the U.S and Swiss authorities that revealed that evidence existed which pointed towards bribery amounting to around 150 million US dollars that were with respect to the right and marketing contracts for hosting the World Cup.
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However, after this scandal, major reforms took place with an aim to add a layer of transparency in how decisions are made at the level of the governing body, and more accountability was demanded when it came to the operations of FIFA (International Federation of Association Football).
UK Football Sexual Abuse Scandal 2016
This was the scandal that shocked the world. Generations of football fans were left shocked and heartbroken upon learning about the horrific sexual abuse that was suffered by young footballers spanning across generations.
Clubs that are prominent, like Manchester City and Chelsea, were also named in the investigation.
Numerous individuals were named and charged
It was and is still considered to be the largest institutional failure since multiple complaints and rumors of sexual abuse happening at eight professional clubs were not addressed in a proper way.
Rangers Tax Fraud Case 2017
The Rangers Football Club was considered to be one of the most iconic football clubs in Scotland back in 2017.
There were allegations with respect to tax fraud and financial misconduct and irregularities about it stemming from the fact that the club avoided its tax obligations by way to misusing the EBTs (Employee Benefit Trusts)
Italian Football Match-Fixing Scandal 2015
This was the scandal that also implicated players, coaches, and club officials alike for match-fixing.
Evidence was found by the investigating agencies of matches being fixed and results being manipulated by betting outcomes.
Though fair play has always been the rock on which the world of sports should ideally function, sometimes the same talent that otherwise inspires millions by their winning performances faces scrutiny for their actions to maintain the integrity of sports and allied areas.
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