[The Temptation of Match-Fixing]②Shin Moonson: "The Destruction of Fairness in Sports... Proportional to a Country's Corruption Index"

Shin Moonson, a professor at Myongji University’s Graduate School of Records, Information, and Science (age 64, football commentator), still cannot forget the scene of "match-fixing" that unfolded right before his eyes when he was a football player at Cheongpa Elementary School.

In a match where Professor Shin played, Cheongpa Elementary and their opponents could not determine a winner after 90 minutes. The referee called over the captains of both teams and had them play rock-paper-scissors. The winning captain was allowed to choose one of two envelopes that the referee tossed into the air, open it, and read the paper inside. If the paper said "win," the captain’s team would be declared the winner.

Professor Sin Sunshun, Myongji University

In a phone interview with this newspaper, Professor Shin recalled, "Before the match, the coach called the team captain aside and told him, 'Pick the envelope that the referee throws last. That one has 'win' written inside.' In the end, there was collusion between the coach and the referee." He explained that such unbelievable events were common on the field in the 1960s. Professor Shin said, "Match-fixing has taken forms far stranger than we can imagine," and added, "Since the 1960s, match-fixing had already become a routine part of Korean sports."

Carrying these memories from his playing days, Professor Shin has worked as a commentator and football administrator, always seeking ways to ensure fair competition on the field based on just rules. He particularly emphasizes the need to be cold-headed and firm regarding match-fixing. In relation to the "referee bribery" scandal involving Jeonbuk Hyundai, which was uncovered in 2016, Professor Shin advised the K League Federation that "punishments should be even harsher than in countries where match-fixing is frequent, such as Italy, so that we can learn from their example." The incident involved a Jeonbuk club scout providing money to two referees in 2013 and requesting favorable decisions. However, at the time, the federation only imposed a light punishment: a nine-point deduction and a fine of 100 million won for the Jeonbuk club.

Professor Shin said, "We've suffered through major scandals, but are we truly clean now? If asked, I don't think anyone could confidently say 'yes.'" He also emphasized, "Sports have inherent value, and that value is fairness." He explained that the true value of sports lies in fair competition, regardless of age, class, or wealth. Professor Shin stated, "Match-fixing undermines such fairness through implicit deals, destroying the very foundation of sports."

A banner hung in the stands during a K League match when Jeonbuk Hyundai's match-fixing scandal was uncovered in 2016.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

Professor Shin also said, "The degree of corruption in sports is proportional to a country's overall corruption index." In fact, according to the "2022 Corruption Perceptions Index by Country" announced by Transparency International on January 31, countries ranked in the lower and middle tiers either do not operate professional sports or, if they do, are known to be highly corrupt. Out of 181 countries, Korea ranked 31st. Professor Shin pointed out, "In advanced sports nations like the United States, the value of sports is placed above politics," adding, "They apply the purity of sports to all areas of politics and society to uphold national values. We should reflect on these points as well."

Professor Shin believes that if there is neither prevention nor countermeasures, the risk of match-fixing will only grow. This is because not only young players in their 20s, but also student athletes, now use smartphones extensively. Through smartphones, players are increasingly interacting with acquaintances or outsiders online and in virtual spaces, making them more susceptible to the temptation of match-fixing. It is also reported that many of these athletes themselves access sports betting sites, place bets, and then participate in matches, raising concerns in the sports community.

As a countermeasure, Professor Shin emphasizes "punishment." In particular, he stated, "When match-fixing occurs, the responsibility of sports organizations such as associations and leagues must also be strictly held." Reviewing recent match-fixing scandals in Korea’s four major professional sports (baseball, football, basketball, and volleyball), while coaches and players who attempted match-fixing were severely punished, the clubs and leagues involved rarely faced proper sanctions. When incidents occur, most organizations simply expel or permanently ban the players or coaches involved and deny any connection. Professor Shin noted, "In football, the recent introduction of VAR has led to an increase in controversial calls, but only referees are disciplined for these mistakes. This is unfair." He added, "To eradicate match-fixing, clubs and leagues must also take active responsibility and make efforts to address suspicious incidents that occur on the field."