Match-fixing scandal mars World Cup’s reputation

FIFA makes billions off of every four-year World Cup cycle.

But that’s nothing compared to the profits collected by illegal gambling rings and match-rigging syndicates around the world, reports The New York Times. The outlet’s published a two-part exclusive series on how betting and bribery has tainted professional soccer leagues and the World Cup.

It finds game fixers have been influencing the outcomes of major matches for years by paying off referees and players. Referees may make errant calls, for example, or players might choose to underperform.

Read more on how betting rings have cast a shadow on FIFA’s integrity (for part one of The New York Times series, click here).

Also check out:

Baseball’s richest teams

Low-key prospecting at the golf club

What do Olympic winners owe CRA?

Lessons from a personal trainer