Match-Fixing in Sports Competitions: Contributing Factors, Impacts on Competition Integrity, and Prevention Strategies from the Perspective of Contemporary Sports Issues

Windi Febriani Zalukhu (Program Studi Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, Fakultas Ilmu Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, Universitas Negeri Medan)
Dodi Irawan Pasaribu (Program Studi Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, Fakultas Ilmu Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, Universitas Negeri Medan)
Hangky Permana Gea (Program Studi Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, Fakultas Ilmu Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, Universitas Negeri Medan)
Jonius Silalahi (Program Studi Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, Fakultas Ilmu Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, Universitas Negeri Medan)
Yoga Erlangga (Program Studi Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, Fakultas Ilmu Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, Universitas Negeri Medan)
Rahma Dewi (Program Studi Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, Fakultas Ilmu Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, Universitas Negeri Medan)
Nanda Ibnasia Rahman (Program Studi Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, Fakultas Ilmu Keolahragaan Dan Kesehatan, Universitas Negeri Medan)

Socius: Social Sciences Research Journal
Vol 4, No 3 (2026): October 2026

Match-fixing is a serious issue in modern sports that threatens competition integrity, sportsmanship, and public trust in sporting events. It occurs when the result or specific aspects of a sporting contest are deliberately manipulated to obtain financial or non-financial benefits. This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to match-fixing, identify its impacts on athletes, coaches, organizers, and society, and examine prevention strategies from the perspective of sports science and contemporary sports issues. This research employs a literature review method with a descriptive qualitative approach by examining relevant academic literature, sports regulations, and scholarly sources. The findings indicate that match-fixing is associated with several factors, including financial pressure, weak competition monitoring, conflicts of interest, abuse of authority, and links to sports betting. Its consequences extend beyond match results, affecting athlete development, competitive fairness, and public confidence.