The 10 most infamous corruption scandals in football history

Football, known as "the beautiful game," is marred by corruption. From doping scandals to match-fixing and bribery, these 10 cases reveal the sport's darker side.

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10: FIFA Corruption Scandal (2015) - Involved bribery for World Cup hosting rights, with over $100 million in bribes, leading to arrests of 14 officials.  

In 2015, a massive corruption scandal rocked FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, exposing a deep web of bribery and fraud centered on World Cup hosting rights and other lucrative deals. The United States Department of Justice led the charge, indicting 14 FIFA officials and associates on charges including racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering. Investigations revealed over $100 million in bribes funneled through complex schemes, implicating high ranking FIFA executives, marketing firms, and regional soccer confederations across the Americas.

The scandal broke open with dramatic arrests in Zurich, where Swiss authorities, acting on US requests, detained officials during a FIFA meeting. Key figures like CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb and CONMEBOL president Eugenio Figueredo faced extradition and charges. The bribes allegedly influenced the selection of World Cup hosts, notably South Africa’s 2010 tournament and Qatar’s controversial 2022 bid, alongside broadcast rights and sponsorship deals. Prosecutors detailed how officials exploited their positions for personal gain, with secret payments laundered through offshore accounts and shell companies.

The fallout was seismic. FIFA president Sepp Blatter, though not initially charged, resigned under pressure as investigations widened. The scandal spurred reforms within FIFA, including new leadership and governance changes, though skepticism about their effectiveness lingered. Globally, the revelations damaged FIFA’s credibility, fueling public outrage over the commercialization of soccer’s biggest stage.

Beyond arrests, the scandal exposed systemic flaws in international sports governance, prompting broader scrutiny of organizations like the International Olympic Committee. It highlighted how unchecked power and vast financial stakes could corrupt even the most revered institutions. The case remains a landmark in sports history, with ongoing legal proceedings and cultural reverberations, reshaping how fans and nations view the integrity of global soccer.

9: Calciopoli (2006) - Match-fixing in Italian football, with Juventus relegated and titles stripped due to referee manipulation.  

In 2006, Italian football was rocked by the Calciopoli scandal, a match fixing controversy that exposed deep corruption in Serie A. The scandal centered on allegations that top clubs, most notably Juventus, colluded with referee organizations to influence match outcomes. Wiretapped conversations revealed club officials, including Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi, allegedly pressuring referee selectors to assign favorable officials to their games. This manipulation aimed to secure wins, boost standings, and protect financial interests in a highly competitive league.

Juventus faced the harshest penalties. The Italian Football Federation relegated the club to Serie B, a historic demotion for one of Italy’s most successful teams. They were stripped of their 2005 and 2006 Serie A titles, and additional points deductions hampered their return to the top flight. Other clubs, including AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio, and Reggina, were also implicated and punished, though less severely. Milan received a points deduction, while Fiorentina and Lazio faced similar sanctions but avoided relegation after appeals. Fines and bans hit club officials, with Moggi barred from football for life.

The fallout reshaped Italian football. Juventus, a symbol of dominance, struggled to rebuild their reputation and fanbase trust. The scandal exposed the vulnerability of refereeing systems and sparked debates about governance in the sport. Investigations revealed a broader culture of favors and influence, though some argued the punishments were uneven, targeting Juventus disproportionately. Fans of rival clubs celebrated, while Juventus supporters claimed their team was scapegoated.

Calciopoli’s legacy endures. It led to reforms in referee appointments, with greater oversight to prevent bias. However, skepticism about fairness in football persists, and the scandal remains a cautionary tale of how power and money can corrupt competition. Juventus eventually reclaimed their dominance, but the stain of 2006 lingers in the sport’s history.

8. Bundesliga Match-Fixing Scandal (2005) - Referees, including Robert Hoyzer, fixed matches with organized crime, involving over £2 million.  

In 2005, German football was rocked by a major match fixing scandal centered on referee Robert Hoyzer, who manipulated Bundesliga and lower league matches in collusion with organized crime. Hoyzer, a young and ambitious official, admitted to fixing games to favor betting syndicates, primarily linked to a Croatian gambling ring based in Berlin. The scandal involved over £2 million in illicit profits, with bets placed on outcomes Hoyzer influenced through biased decisions, such as awarding dubious penalties or sending off players to tilt results.

The scheme unraveled when fellow referees grew suspicious of Hoyzer’s calls, particularly in a 2004 DFB Pokal match between Paderborn and Hamburg, where he made inexplicable rulings, including a red card and two penalties, leading to Hamburg’s elimination. Investigations revealed Hoyzer received payments, starting at €5,000 per fixed match, escalating to €30,000, alongside luxury gifts like TVs. His actions impacted at least 10 matches, including 2. Bundesliga and Regionalliga games, with betting patterns showing abnormal sums wagered on obscure fixtures.

Hoyzer confessed after pressure from the German Football Association (DFB), implicating other officials and betting figures, though only a few were convicted. He claimed coercion from the Croatian syndicate, citing threats to his safety. The fallout saw Hoyzer banned for life from football and sentenced to two years and five months in prison for fraud. The scandal prompted the DFB to overhaul referee oversight, introducing stricter monitoring and background checks.

Public trust in German football took a hit, with fans and media decrying corruption. The episode exposed vulnerabilities in sports integrity, leading to broader European efforts to combat match fixing. Despite the damage, the Bundesliga recovered, implementing reforms to safeguard the game’s credibility.

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7. Marseille Match-Fixing (1993) - Olympique Marseille bribed players, winning the Champions League but losing titles and facing bans.  

In 1993, Olympique de Marseille, a prominent French football club, became embroiled in a notorious match fixing scandal that shook European football. The controversy centered around their attempt to secure the French Division 1 title and their historic Champions League campaign. Marseille, led by president Bernard Tapie, allegedly bribed players from Valenciennes FC to underperform in a league match just days before the Champions League final against AC Milan. The plan was to ensure Marseille’s players remained fresh and uninjured for the European showdown. A Valenciennes player, Jacques Glassmann, exposed the scheme, revealing that he and teammates were offered money to throw the game. Marseille won the match 1 0, but the scandal unraveled soon after.

Despite the brewing controversy, Marseille defeated AC Milan 1 0 in the Champions League final, becoming the first and only French club to claim the prestigious title. However, investigations confirmed the bribery, leading to severe consequences. The French Football Federation stripped Marseille of their 1992 93 Division 1 title, though the Champions League trophy was not revoked due to lack of evidence that the final itself was fixed. Marseille faced a two year ban from European competitions and were relegated to Division 2 for the 1994 95 season. Several individuals, including Tapie, were prosecuted; Tapie received a prison sentence for corruption and bribery.

The scandal tarnished Marseille’s legacy and sparked debates about integrity in football. It highlighted the pressures of financial and competitive stakes in the sport, leaving a lasting impact on French football’s reputation. Marseille eventually recovered, but the 1993 affair remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption in pursuit of glory.

6. Turkish Football Match-Fixing Scandal (2011) - Widespread fixing involving Fenerbahce, leading to arrests and legal repercussions.  

In 2011, Turkish football was rocked by a massive match fixing scandal, one of the most significant in the sport’s history, centered around Fenerbahce, a prominent Istanbul club. The scandal erupted when authorities uncovered evidence of widespread manipulation of match outcomes, implicating players, coaches, and club officials across multiple teams. Fenerbahce, a powerhouse in Turkish football, was at the heart of the controversy, with its president, Aziz Yildirim, among those arrested. The investigation revealed a complex network allegedly orchestrating fixed games to secure favorable results, particularly in the 2010 2011 Super Lig season, which Fenerbahce won.

Prosecutors alleged that bribes, threats, and illicit payments were used to influence referees, players, and even opposing teams. Wiretapped conversations provided damning evidence, exposing discussions of rigging matches to ensure victories or specific scorelines, often tied to betting schemes. The scandal tainted the integrity of the Turkish Super Lig, raising questions about the fairness of competition and the influence of money in football.

Legal repercussions were swift and severe. Over 90 individuals, including Yildirim, faced charges ranging from match fixing to organized crime. Yildirim was sentenced to over six years in prison in 2012, though he was later released pending a retrial and acquitted in 2015 after a contentious legal battle. Fenerbahce faced heavy penalties, including a ban from European competitions by UEFA, though they avoided relegation in the domestic league after heated debates.

The scandal left a lasting impact on Turkish football, eroding fan trust and prompting calls for stricter regulations. It exposed vulnerabilities in the sport’s governance and highlighted the challenges of combating corruption in high stakes environments. Despite the controversy, Fenerbahce remained a dominant force, but the scars of 2011 lingered, reshaping perceptions of the game in Turkey.

5. Brazilian World Cup Spending Scandal (2014) - Corruption in spending billions for the World Cup, involving misused government funds.  

In 2014, Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup, a global spectacle that came with a hefty price tag and a cloud of controversy. The government spent an estimated $11.6 billion on stadiums, infrastructure, and related projects, making it one of the costliest World Cups ever. Much of this funding came from public coffers, sparking outrage as allegations of corruption and mismanagement surfaced. Investigations revealed that billions were misused, with inflated contracts, kickbacks, and shoddy construction plaguing preparations.

The scandal centered on projects like the refurbishment of Brasília’s Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, which ballooned to over $900 million, far exceeding initial estimates. Critics argued that funds were siphoned off through shady deals involving construction firms, politicians, and intermediaries. Companies like Odebrecht and Andrade Gutierrez, later implicated in the broader Operation Car Wash scandal, faced scrutiny for colluding with officials to secure lucrative contracts. These firms allegedly paid bribes to ensure their bids won, regardless of cost or quality.

Public anger grew as many Brazilians felt the money could have addressed pressing needs like healthcare, education, or poverty alleviation, especially in a country marked by stark inequality. Protests erupted nationwide, with citizens decrying the prioritization of a sporting event over social welfare. Several stadiums, built in cities with little football culture, became “white elephants,” underused and costly to maintain post tournament.

Legal repercussions followed, with arrests and convictions of politicians, executives, and FIFA officials tied to the misspending. The scandal eroded trust in institutions and fueled political unrest, contributing to Brazil’s turbulent years ahead. While the World Cup showcased Brazil’s vibrancy, it left a bitter legacy of financial waste and broken promises, highlighting systemic issues that continue to challenge the nation’s governance.

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4. Football Leaks (2016-2018) - Revealed financial irregularities at clubs like Manchester City and PSG, exposing rule-breaking.  

Football Leaks, spanning 2016 to 2018, exposed significant financial irregularities in European football, particularly involving top clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The leaks, comprising millions of documents, revealed how these clubs allegedly circumvented Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, designed to ensure financial stability and competitive balance in football. The documents, initially obtained by whistleblowers and shared through media outlets like Der Spiegel, detailed secret deals, inflated sponsorship agreements, and questionable financial maneuvers.

Manchester City faced scrutiny for allegedly disguising equity funding as sponsorship income, with payments funneled through third parties linked to their Abu Dhabi owners. This allowed the club to report higher revenues, sidestepping FFP restrictions and funding lavish player transfers. Emails and contracts suggested deliberate efforts to mislead UEFA, the governing body overseeing FFP compliance. PSG, owned by Qatar Sports Investments, was similarly implicated, with leaks exposing inflated sponsorship deals with Qatari entities, enabling the club to finance high profile signings like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé while technically adhering to FFP rules.

The revelations sparked investigations by UEFA, leading to penalties for both clubs, though Manchester City successfully appealed a two year Champions League ban in 2020, citing procedural issues. Critics argued the leaks highlighted systemic flaws in football’s financial oversight, with wealthier clubs exploiting loopholes to maintain dominance. Beyond finances, Football Leaks also uncovered unethical practices, including tax evasion schemes involving players and agents, and pressured transfer dealings.

The scandal reshaped discussions on transparency in football, prompting calls for stricter regulations and accountability. While some praised the leaks for exposing corruption, others debated the ethics of whistleblowing and data breaches. Football Leaks remains a pivotal moment, revealing the murky intersection of money, power, and sport.

3. Andres Escobar Murder (1994) - Linked to betting after an own goal, with Escobar shot dead, highlighting corruption in gambling.  

In 1994, the murder of Colombian footballer Andrés Escobar shocked the world, revealing the dark intersection of sports, gambling, and organized crime. Escobar, a talented defender, scored an own goal during a World Cup match against the United States, contributing to Colombia’s unexpected 2-1 loss. This mistake proved costly, not just on the field but in the dangerous underworld of illegal betting. The own goal disrupted massive bets placed by powerful gambling syndicates, allegedly linked to drug cartels, who had heavily favored Colombia to advance.

On July 2, 1994, just days after Colombia’s elimination, Escobar was gunned down outside a nightclub in Medellín. The 27-year-old was shot six times in what many believe was a calculated act of retribution. Witnesses reported the gunman shouting about the own goal during the attack, fueling speculation that Escobar’s death was punishment for the financial losses incurred by betting rings. While no definitive evidence directly tied the murder to gambling cartels, the context of Colombia’s violent drug trade and widespread corruption lent credence to these claims.

The investigation led to the arrest of Humberto Muñoz Castro, a bodyguard with ties to criminal networks, who was convicted and sentenced to 43 years. However, he was released after serving just 11 years, raising questions about justice and influence in Colombia’s legal system. Escobar’s death exposed the pervasive reach of gambling corruption, where athletes could become targets of ruthless syndicates.

Andrés Escobar’s legacy endures as a tragic symbol of talent cut short and a warning of the dangers lurking behind high-stakes sports betting. His murder prompted global discussions on the need to protect athletes and curb the influence of organized crime in football, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.

2. Diego Maradona’s Drug Scandal (1994) - Doping with ephedrine during the World Cup, affecting Argentina's campaign and his legacy.  

In 1994 Diego Maradona faced a major scandal during the World Cup in the United States when he tested positive for ephedrine a banned stimulant. This incident marked a low point in his illustrious career and had significant repercussions for Argentinas campaign and his legacy. Maradona then 33 had returned to the national team after a controversial period hoping to redeem his reputation following earlier struggles with addiction and bans. His performances in the group stage particularly against Greece and Nigeria were electric reigniting hopes that he could lead Argentina to glory as he had in 1986.

However after the Nigeria match a routine drug test revealed traces of ephedrine a substance used to boost energy and alertness but prohibited by FIFA. Maradona claimed it came from an over the counter medication he took for a cold unaware it contained the banned substance. FIFA was unconvinced and swiftly banned him from the tournament. Argentina stunned by the loss of their star player struggled in subsequent matches exiting in the round of 16 against Romania. The teams morale and strategy crumbled without Maradonas leadership and flair.

The scandal fueled intense debate about Maradonas character. Supporters argued he was unfairly targeted given his fame and the medications common use while critics saw it as another chapter in his history of reckless behavior. The incident tarnished his legacy casting a shadow over his genius on the pitch. For Argentina the 1994 World Cup became a story of what might have been. Maradonas career never fully recovered as he faced further personal and professional setbacks. The ephedrine scandal remains a pivotal moment reminding fans of both his brilliance and his flaws.

1.1982 World Cup Disgrace of Gijón - Alleged collusion between West Germany and Austria to manipulate match outcomes, impacting fair play.

The Disgrace of Gijón refers to a controversial match during the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, where West Germany and Austria allegedly colluded to manipulate the outcome, undermining fair play. Played on June 25 in Gijón, this group stage game ended with a 1 0 West German victory, a result that ensured both teams advanced to the next round at the expense of Algeria, sparking outrage among fans and critics.

The controversy stemmed from the tournament's format and scheduling. Group 2 included West Germany, Austria, Algeria, and Chile. Algeria had already played their final group match, defeating Chile 3 2, and sat with two wins. West Germany and Austria, however, knew exactly what result would secure their progression before their match began. A narrow West German win would guarantee both teams' advancement, eliminating Algeria due to goal difference.

The game itself raised suspicions early. West Germany scored in the 10th minute through Horst Hrubesch, but what followed was a lackluster performance. Both teams appeared to slow down, with minimal attacking intent, passing aimlessly, and avoiding risks. Spectators booed, and Algerian fans waved money, implying match fixing. Commentators, including a German broadcaster who refused to endorse the display, criticized the apparent lack of effort.

While no definitive proof of collusion exists, the match's optics were damning. FIFA investigated but found no rule violations, as tactical conservatism wasn't illegal. The fallout, however, was significant. The incident exposed flaws in the World Cup's structure, leading FIFA to revise scheduling so final group matches occur simultaneously, preventing teams from exploiting known outcomes.

The Disgrace of Gijón remains a stain on football history, symbolizing how gamesmanship can overshadow sportsmanship. It highlighted the need for structural safeguards to protect the integrity of competition, leaving a lasting legacy in how tournaments are organized.