The latest edition of the FGV-FIFA-CIES Sports Management Seminar was held on August 31 in FGV’s main building in Rio de Janeiro, with the main aim of discussing the challenges involved in protecting the integrity of sport in Brazil, in light of best international practices.

This annual event is part of the FGV-FIFA-CIES Sports Management Course, giving students the opportunity to interact, broaden their knowledge and network with professionals from around the world. The seminar looked at the importance of the Macolin Convention to Tackle Sport Competition Manipulation, how to combat illegal betting operators and what Brazilian sports organizations are doing to prevent and curb fraud in competitions.

One of the topics discussed was match fixing, which means intentionally altering the outcome or development of a sporting event. This is done through agreements, acts or inaction, with the aim of removing or reducing the element of uncertainty typical of these competitions. The purpose is to obtain benefits that are not fair, either for oneself or for others. It was argued that improving national cooperation between law enforcement authorities, criminal justice and sports organizations is key to guaranteeing the integrity of sport.

Some high-profile sports figures attended the event, such as Graciela Garay, the ethics and compliance director of the South American Soccer Confederation (CONMEBOL); Nicolas Sayde, head of the Macolin Convention Secretariat; and investigative journalist Philippe Auclair. The president of the National Federation of Professional Soccer Athletes (FENAPAF), Jorge Borçato, took advantage of the seminar to announce that his organization will formally call on the Brazilian government to sign up to the Macolin Convention. “This convention is the only binding international legal instrument that helps governments and sports organizations protect the integrity of sport and sports betting by offering effective tools to combat the manipulation of sports competitions. Any country in the world may sign it,” said Nicolas Sayde.   

About the course

The FGV-FIFA-CIES Sports Management Course offers in-depth training in the area of sports management, combining theory and practice to develop entrepreneurial leadership and a strategic, administrative and managerial vision of this field. The course has a partnership with FIFA and the International Center for Sports Studies (CIES) and it is certified by both FGV and FIFA/CIES.

To find out more information or sign up, click here.