Match manipulation is defined as the unlawful influencing or alteration, directly or by an act or omission, of the course, result or any other aspect of a football match or competition.
Match manipulation can be committed for various reasons, the most common being:
Financial gain
Also referred to as betting-related match manipulation, financial gain usually involves people off the pitch conspiring to manipulate a match or competition in order to obtain illicit proceeds through sports betting platforms. In such scenarios a financial advantage is also offered to individuals on the pitch to unlawfully influence or alter the match.
Sporting advantage
Match manipulation for sporting advantage can be committed for a variety of outcomes, such as ensuring a team progresses in a certain competition or in order to avoid relegation. This type of manipulation is generally not related to betting; however, it can still produce a financial benefit for those involved in the match manipulation scenario.
Other purposes
This can include any undue advantage for oneself or any third party relating to the manipulation of football matches or competitions.
The Rules
• You are not allowed to accept from or offer to anyone any bribes / gifts / rewards / advice of any nature in relation to seeking to influence the outcome, result or conduct of a match or competition;
• You must immediately report to the Irish FA, via antidoping.integirty@irishfa.com, any approach or any offer of a bribe / gift / reward made to you or any other participant related to seeking to influence the outcome, result or conduct of a match or competition. Failure to do so will be considered a breach of the rules.
Examples:
• A player is offered £5,000 to get booked within the first five minutes of a game. The player ignores the offer but does not report the approach. The player is in breach of the rules because he should have reported the offer to the Irish FA.
• Ahead of the last game of the season a manager whose team are mid-table and playing against a team fighting relegation is offered and accepts a week’s holiday from a local travel agent for their team to lose. The manager is in breach of the rules as they have accepted a gift from someone seeking to influence the conduct of a match.