Shocking news have emerged from a recent survey of the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece, as no less than 15% of all professional athletes have been approached for match fixing. The survey took place during the last 12 months and concerns athletes from major team and individual sports, like football, basketball, volleyball, tennis and others.
The most significant findings include:
- 35% of surveyed athletes believe match fixing takes place in their sport
- 20% knew of match fixing cases in their or other sports
- 15% had been approached to fix a match during the last 12 months
Vassilis Barkoukis, coordinator of FIX the FIXING said the following: “The findings show the extent of the phenomenon of manipulated games and highlight the need for immediate treatment through scientifically documented educational interventions”.
This survey is yet another reason why serious steps should be taken towards fairer and more transparent sports, especially following the recent match fixing allegations in the Wimbledon Open.