EDITORIAL: Match-fixing threatens the integrity of soccer

The history of football has been tainted by several factors over the years but match fixing scandals have undoubtedly made the biggest of dents on the credibility of the beautiful game.

Football is a massive sport with a turnover of billions of shillings, and it is no surprise that it is targeted by people who are determined to make money by unfair means and manipulation.

It is to be expected that a sport involving a huge number of people--ranging from players, officials, coaches, support staff, directors, referees, members and fans--will have some shady characters who will not abide by the rules.

Still, it is shocking that Tanzania, one of the countries that have contributed massively to the development of football on the continent, should be accused of match fixing. The impact of this kind of thing goes well beyond sports circles. 

Tanzania has been in the spotlight for nearly a week now over match-fixing claims in a number of matches in the final round of this season’s Mainland Premier League. Some sections of the football fraternity have demanded investigations.

All 14 teams were in action last Saturday when the league climaxed, with six of them desperate to win and avoid relegation.

A chorus of complaints rang out after the matches, especially the encounter between Stand United and Ruvu Shooting in Shinyanga.

Hosts Stand United squeezed through 1-0 and escaped relegation. A defeat or draw would have seen them drop to a lower division.

The results of other matches also raised eyebrows. If the subsequent chat is true, our football is heading for the graveyard.

The Tanzania Football Federation can save the day by roping in the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau, the police force and other law enforcement organs in a campaign to fight match-fixing and illegal betting.