News in Review – November 2012 – Teacher Resource Guide CANADA'S SOCCER FIXING SCANDAL

MINDS‐ON DISCUSSION

When the Canadian women’s soccer team played the United States in the semi-final match at the London Olympics, the referee made a series of bizarre calls that many felt cost Canada the match. With the Canadians leading 3-2 in the 80th minute, Canada’s goalkeeper was called for holding the ball for too long (a call that is almost never made and that even the US coach found mind-boggling). On the ensuing indirect free kick, the ball deflected off of a Canadian defender’s arm, which prompted the referee to penalize the Canadian player for handling the ball. The US scored on the subsequent penalty kick to tie the game and they went on to score the game winner in extra-time (fortunately Canada beat France to win the bronze while the US eventually took the gold). For many Canadians the US comeback was too improbable, with more than a few fans claiming “the fix was in.”

1. While there is no evidence that the referee or any other officials were paid off to fix the game, why do you think some fans were so skeptical about the outcome of the game?

2. Why would some people believe that the match must have been fixed? Why are some people so quick to believe in conspiracies and payoffs?

SETTING THE STAGE Canadian Soccer League (CSL) — a 16-team professional soccer association that stages games Reda Agourram of the Trois-Rivieres Attak mostly in Ontario and parts of Quebec on soccer club couldn’t believe his luck when the weekends from May to October. Interest in the Toronto Croatia keeper punched his teammates CSL comes nowhere near the level of Major penalty kick right onto his boot, allowing him to League Soccer that sees teams like the score an easy goal that gave his team a 2-1 lead. Vancouver Whitecaps, Montreal Impact, and He was even more surprised when one of the Toronto FC play before loud, raucous crowds. In best players in the league, Toronto Croatia’s fact, if you decided to attend a CSL game, you Antonijo Zupan, missed a penalty kick that would likely encounter a fairly empty venue. would have tied the game. When it was all over, But, if you examine the sparse crowd closely, the Attak won the game 4-1 in a surprising you might spot an employee of one of the upset. world’s large online gambling websites relaying a play-by-play of the game back to his employer CSL: A Betting Option (?) on his smartphone. Why? Put simply, the CSL If you have never heard of the Trois-Rivieres has become a valuable betting option for many Attak or the Toronto Croatia soccer franchises, online gamblers. you are not alone. Both teams are part of the

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NOVEMBER 2012 — CANADA'S SOCCER FIXING SCANDAL

The Canadian Target That’s right, you didn’t read that wrong. Third- tier Canadian soccer is the target of the multi- billion dollar online gambling scene. News of this reality came to light in 2011 when soccer writer Ben Rycroft brought the story to the CBC. Rycroft reported that online betting sites were offering lines on CSL games. He also indicated that match-fixers were not above bribing CSL players to guarantee the game result they were looking for.

In fact, Rycroft and the CBC discovered that an where Reda Agourram scored that easy goal and international match-fixing syndicate had Antonijo Zupan missed that penalty kick. The specifically targeted the CSL. Evidence of this match took place in September of 2009 and, surfaced in a massive soccer scandal that led to according to wiretaps used in evidence at the criminal charges in Germany. The scandal trial, Zupan and four other teammates were paid involved hundreds of matches in 20 countries, up to $18 000 to make sure Toronto Croatia lost mostly in lower-level leagues where the glare of the game by at least two goals. Zupan public attention was least likely. Those involved vehemently denies the allegations. Nevertheless, in the syndicate were accused of bribing players a text sent between two of the fixers suggests and referees in an effort to fix the result of that something rotten happened in Trois-Rivieres games in favour of insiders betting on the that night. Zivko Budimir, the man who flew to games. Canada a month before the game to fix the match, texted one of the syndicate leaders Big Business shortly after the contest and said, “At least Match-fixing is a serious problem in soccer and something is right in this crappy life…Friend, if there is plenty of money to be had if fixers can we don’t become rich here, then I don’t know rig games in their favour. Online gaming sites where we could become rich.” (CBC News, allow for wagers of up to $180 000 (150 000 September 12, 2012) Wiretaps indicated that Euros) and gamblers can bet on everything from Budimir worked with his co-conspirators in the winners and losers to goal differentials. They weeks after the successful fix to lay the ground can even place bets while the game is going on work for future fixes, even floating the prospect — which is why gambling sites hire people to of buying a CSL franchise to his syndicate relay the play-by-play to them via smartphone. comrades. Eventually some of the syndicate Updated information allows odds-makers to re- participants were caught, with the ringleaders jig the betting line as the game progresses — sentenced to five and a half years in a German thus protecting the gambling site from potential prison. losses. CSL: Pleased and Shocked The Canadian Fix When CSL officials learned of these In Canada, one game was the subject of part of developments they were both pleased and the German trial. The game in question: the shocked. Initially, they were happy that at least Trois-Rivieres Attak vs. Toronto Croatia game ten large gambling sites were offering odds on

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CSL games. This demonstrated an interest in the jeopardized if match-fixers are able to buy the league that the CSL had not anticipated. But, scores they want. The syndicate involved in the when they learned that at least one game (and CSL fix was also accused of fixing a World Cup maybe more) might have been fixed, they grew qualifying game. The huge payouts offered to concerned and reported the discovery to FIFA, players and officials to fix a game may be too soccer’s international governing body. tempting for some people to resist. Meanwhile, soccer audiences around the world are left to What’s at stake? wonder if “the beautiful game” is being sold to So what’s at stake if Canadian minor league the gambler with the loosest scruples and the soccer becomes corrupted by match-fixers? fattest wallet. Certainly the integrity of soccer itself is

Checking Understanding

1. Why is the CSL a viable betting option for online gambling sites? Why is the league also an attractive target for match-fixers?

2. What evidence existed that lent credence to the assumption that the September 2009 match between Trois-Rivieres and Toronto Croatia was fixed?

3. In your opinion, what can be done to prevent match-fixing in the future?

Follow up

Based on your reading, why is it unlikely that the Olympic semi-final match between Canada and the US was fixed?

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VIDEO REVIEW

Pre‐viewing Activities

Organize yourself into small groups and respond to the following questions and activities. Be prepared to share your responses with the rest of the class.

1. Match-fixing involves a conspiracy to make sure a game ends in a certain way so that the conspirators can cash in on a bet that can only be characterized as a “sure thing.” How do you think match-fixers are able to guarantee a game ends the way they want it to?

2. Do you think match-fixing occurs in all sports?

3. Which sports, teams, or leagues do you think are most vulnerable to match-fixing?

Viewing Questions

1. How was the match-fixing scandal involving the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) discovered?

2. Where was the match-fixing ring based?

3. What did the Sapina brothers plan to do to make CSL match-fixing easier for them?

4. According to German lawyer Stefan Conen, why is it easier to fix games in leagues like the CSL?

5. How much do CSL players make per year?

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6. Why did soccer journalist Ben Rycroft think that soccer match-fixing needed major media attention?

7. How difficult was it to get gamblers to bet on CSL games?

8. How much money could someone conceivably bet on a CSL game?

9. What was the man on the smartphone doing at the Toronto Croatia game?

10. What did CSL Chairman Vince Ursini think when he learned people were betting on CSL games?

11. What warning signs were there that CSL games were possibly being fixed?

12. Why was Ben Rycroft worried about reporting the soccer scandal? Were his concerns justified?

13. Why was Trois-Rivieres Attak player Reda Agourram surprised when he scored against Toronto Croatia on September 12, 2009?

14. Why weren't the game fixers worried when Antonijo Zupan was awarded a penalty kick that would have tied the game?

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15. What did a German court rule happened at the Trois-Rivieres vs. Toronto Croatia game?

16. How did Anonijo Zupan respond to accusations that he played a part in fixing the game?

17. Why didn't the CSL investigate the controversial game result of the Trois-Rivieres vs. Toronto Croatia game?

18. According to Ben Rycroft, what problems will begin to surface if the CSL doesn't address the issue of game fixing?

Post‐viewing Questions

1. Our national soccer governing body is the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA). After the CSL soccer fixing scandal broke, the CSA, along with the CSL, reported the Trois-Rivieres/Toronto Croatia allegations to FIFA — soccer’s international governing body. The CSA plans to implement a match- fixing watchdog system to look for red-flags that would indicate questionable match outcomes. Do you think this is enough? What else could the CSA do to deal with the threat of match-fixing?

2. After reviewing the evidence, the RCMP and OPP decided not to pursue charges relating to the Trois- Rivieres vs. Toronto Croatia game. Their reasoning: the crime syndicate engaged in criminal activity in another country and, therefore, they have no jurisdiction to lay charges in Canada. Do you think the CSA should work with lawmakers to make sure future charges can be laid in the event of new match- fixes? What should the penalty be for a player involved in fixing a match?

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ACTIVITIES: Gambling in Canada

In Canada, legal gambling provides big money for both the federal and provincial governments. Take a look at the statistic listed below and complete one or more of the activities that follow.

• Gambling revenue accounts for almost $14 • Governments run 91 per cent of all legal billion in Canada (up from $3 billion in gambling activity in Canada while horse 1992) with governments taking in $7 billion racing (2.3 per cent) and charitable after payouts and expenses. organization gaming (6.5 per cent) makes up the rest. • Canadian provinces generate between one and four percent of their revenue from • As many as 79 per cent of adult Canadians provincially sponsored gambling. have participated in some form of government sponsored gambling in the past • Charities receive almost $400 million from year. Gambling activity can be anything gambling proceeds each year. from buying a lottery ticket to going to a • An average of 1.38 per cent (just over $110 casino. million) of gaming revenue is dedicated to • Between 2.5 to 3.8 per cent of adult programs helping problem gamblers and Canadians can be classified as moderate risk initiatives promoting responsible gaming. or problem gamblers.

Source: Canadian Gambling Digest 2010‐2011, Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling (CPRG)

ACTIVITY #1: Newspaper Article

Use the information listed above and write a newspaper article about the state of gambling in Canada. Feel free to supplement your article with additional research.

ACTIVITY #2: Analysis of the Statistics

If governments are generating $7 billion in revenue after payouts and expenses, it could be argued that much more should go to charities. Work with a partner to come up with ways in which the proceeds of gambling could be spent to help make Canada a better place to live. (Note: “Everyone gets a free computer” is not what we’re looking for here. Focus on social programs and other ideas that support the greater good of all Canadians.)

ACTIVITY #3: Ethics Debate

Form a group of four and stage an informal, 20-minute debate on the following topic:

That Canada should stop generating revenue through state-sponsored gambling because such a practice leads to the moral decay of society.

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ACTIVITY: How to Fix a Soccer Game

There would be no match-fixing if there weren’t gamblers willing to fix games. In his book The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime, Ottawa journalist Declan Hill tells the story of Asian gambling markets and match-fixers who work together to determine the outcome of games in both minor and major soccer leagues. While European and North American betting outfits turn over a lot of cash, they pale when compared to the Asian gambling scene. According to Slate magazine, there are more deals done on the Asian sports betting market than on the New York Stock Exchange on a given day (Slate, December 9, 2011). The bottom line: sports betting is a multi-billion dollar business.

Review the information below and complete the questions that follow.

Characteristics of Match‐fixing 1. Identify a target • A player with financial problems. • A team with a low pay roll. • A league and game that is of limited importance (i.e. a regular season game and not a championship game, a qualifying match and not a playoff match). • A referee with financial problems (Note: referees are not the best targets because bad officiating is often seen as an obvious effort to manipulate the outcome of a game). 2. Send a “runner” Match-fixers will send a runner to secure the target. This usually involves finding a co-operating player that is open to a pay off and is willing to work with other players to set up the fix. 3. Fix the match Match-fixers will work with their target to determine the outcome they desire (i.e. a defeat, a goal differential of two goals, three goals scored in the second half, etc.) 4. Spread some rumours Spread rumours about the match that cause others to bet against the fix. This deflects attention away from the fix and helps improves the betting odds for the match-fixers. 5. Place your bets Match-fixers place their bets — either large wagers (which are risky because they attract attention) or smaller wagers through agents (referred to as “beards”) who place bets on behalf of the match- fixing syndicate. 6. Collect your winnings Cash in on the fix. If the fix fails, go after the target (player, team or referee) for their failure to make the fix happen.

Source: How do you fix a soccer game? By Brian Palmer (www.slate.com)

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Drawing Inferences

An inference is a conclusion arrived at through reasoning. It involves reading between the lines in order to arrive at some idea of what is true or correct. Answer the following questions by inferring the answers based on the information listed above.

1. Why are players a better option that a referee when fixing a match?

2. How difficult do you think it would be for a “runner” to find cooperating players?

3. Why would spreading false rumours be an important part of the match-fixing scheme?

4. How do “beards” help advance the cause of the fixers?

5. Why is match-fixing a dangerous game if the fixers don’t get the outcome they are looking for?

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