Regulations and Legislation

Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions

Important tools have been created since the adoption of Olympic Agenda 2020 and the current Olympic Agenda 2020+5 to protect sport’s credibility and integrity. These include the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Code PMC), which was approved by the IOC Executive Board in December 2015. First implemented at the Olympic Games Rio 2016, the OM Code PMC aims to provide sports organisations with harmonised regulations in compliance with the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (Macolin Convention) in order to protect competitions from the risk of manipulation. It defines violations and minimum standards for disciplinary procedures. Following a wide consultation with Olympic Movement stakeholders, the Code was reviewed and an amended version (currently in force) was adopted by the IOC Executive Board in September 2022.

*Legally only the English and French versions are considered official. Additional languages are available to facilitate adoption by NOCs/NFs.

In the event of a breach of this Code during the Olympic Games, the disciplinary process applicable is described in the IOC Code of Ethics.

Who should implement the Code?

The Olympic Charter states that all International Sports Federations (IFs) within the Olympic Movement must adopt and implement the OM Code PMC (Rule 25) and that, during the Olympic Games, compliance with the OM Code PMC is mandatory for the whole Olympic Movement (Rule 43).

The adoption and implementation of the OMC Code PMC is mandatory for the following stakeholders:

• National Olympic Committees and their members – National Sport Federations
• International Sports Federations officially recognised by the IOC (and their members – respective National Sports Federations);

It is strongly recommended that the following entities also adopt rules in line with the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions:

• Multi-sport event organisers
• Professional leagues

The OM Unit PMC has created model rules to assist OM stakeholders in the adoption of the OM Code PMC.

International Sports Federations (IFs)

In order to be recognised by the IOC, IFs – as per rule 25 of the Olympic Charter – need to have adopted and implemented the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions. The OM Unit PMC offers concrete support to IFs in developing relevant regulations and has, for this purpose, developed model rules for IFs.

Outside the Olympic Games, the regulations and/or disciplinary code applicable to the competitions of each IF should be in line with the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions. These should include the disciplinary process and the sanctions.

National Olympic Committees (NOCs)

As part of the Olympic Movement, NOCs must adopt and implement the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions. NOCs are expected to adopt the OM Code PMC and to assist their National Sports Federations (NFs) to develop relevant rules in line with the OM Code PMC, as for national competitions the jurisdiction to investigate and sanction relevant breaches normally lies with the NFs.

The OM Unit PMC has been developing a network of NOC Single Points of Contacts (SPOCs). Among other tasks, each SPOC is expected to support the NOC in the adoption of the OM Code PMC and help its NFs with ensuring that the relevant rules, as well as a relevant disciplinary framework in line with the OM Code PMC, are in place.

National Sports Federations (NFs)

In line with Rule 29 of the Olympic Charter, in order to be recognised as a member by the respective NOCs, NFs should comply with all rules of their respective IF, including this Code. Outside the Olympic Games, NFs are a key component, notably when it comes to sanctioning potential breaches of the OM Code PMC. NOCs should support their NFs in developing relevant rules, disciplinary procedures and sanctions.

Event Organisers

Organisers of national or international multi-sports competitions should also ensure that relevant regulations are in place. For this purpose, the OM Unit PMC has also developed model rules for multi-sports competition organisers. NOCs that are acting as competition organisers for national multi-sports events should also adopt such rules.

Professional leagues are also recommended to adopt relevant rules in line with the OM Code PMC: the model rules for National Sport Federations can be used as a reference. The OM Unit PMC remains available for any relevant support.

Dedicated support for implementation of the OM Code PMC is available upon request via email: OMUnitPMC@olympic.org.

USEFUL RESOURCES

Legal Approaches to tackling the Manipulation of Sports Competitions

The Resource Guide includes best practice elements identified from national legislations, when it comes to the criminalisation of competition manipulation. It also proposes Model Criminal Law Provisions and additional guidelines for consideration by national legislators seeking to introduce legislative measures to combat competition manipulation.

Model Criminal Law Provisions for the Prosecution of Competition Manipulation

Based on an extensive legal analysis of 52 national jurisdictions that criminalise match-fixing, the booklet includes a checklist of best practice elements identified from national legislations. It also proposes Model Criminal Law Provisions and additional guidelines for consideration by national legislators seeking to introduce legislative measures to combat competition manipulation.

Investigation of Cases of Competition Manipulation: A Practical Guide

This joint IOC-INTERPOL-UNODC Guide seeks to further strengthen the capacity of relevant stakeholders to conduct effective and efficient investigations into allegations of competition manipulation. It seeks to do this by functioning as a practical tool to support those tasked with conducting criminal or sports disciplinary investigations into suspected cases of competition manipulation.

Prosecution of Cases of Competition Manipulation: A Practical Guide

Following up on the IOC-INTERPOL-UNODC Guide on Investigations of Cases of Competition Manipulation, this IOC-UNODC publication seeks to set out a recommended framework for the prosecution of competition manipulation cases. The guide is primarily for the prosecution for use in criminal courts. However, the principles and methods outlined in the guide are considered to be relevant to all those who are engaged in the detection of and fight against the manipulation of sports competitions, including sports governing bodies in relation to their disciplinary proceedings.

Guidelines for Sports Organisations on Sponsorship by Sports Betting Operators

These guidelines aim to act as a reference for sports organisations when they are considering entering into a new sponsorship agreement with a sports betting entity.

Guidelines for Sports Organisations on the Sanctioning of Competition Manipulation

These guidelines aim to support sports disciplinary bodies in establishing fair sanctions when a breach has been established.

Reporting Mechanisms in Sport: A Practical Guide for Development and Implementation

This Guide provides information on good practices for sports organisations with regard to receiving and handling reports of wrongdoing, including competition manipulation, harassment, doping and corruption. Effective reporting mechanisms can build a culture of trust, transparency and professionalism, whilst ineffective mechanisms can lead to a culture of fear and secrecy and escalating criminality. At the same time, effective reporting mechanisms rely on a positive organisational culture, embodied by the supporting principles of commitment, trustworthiness and impartiality.