Why match-fixing and doping must be fought with equal vigour

Just a one-year ban for being found guilty of a crime so grave as match-fixing, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza is a lucky chap, for the punishment seems a mere slap on the wrist considering the offence. And when we read reports that he intends to appeal, one wonders, where will he appeal. To FERWAFA's Ethics Committee? The same body that found him guilty of the crime? Or at the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS)? Or is it just a smoke screen? ALSO READ: Match-fixing saga: Mugiraneza to appeal one-year suspension Lest we forget, the world of sports has always been a symbol of fairness, integrity, and competition, where athletes are celebrated for their skill, hard work, and dedication. But as the pressure to succeed intensifies, so does the temptation to cheat. Match-fixing and doping are two of the most subtle threats facing modern sport, and they have far more in common than we might initially think. First and foremost, both undermine the integrity of the game and cast doubt on the fairness of outcomes. Some experts indeed paint an alarming picture indicating that it's match-fixing, not doping that poses the greatest risk to sport. The integrity of sport faces a greater threat from match-fixing than drugs. Manipulating outcomes of a game is a bigger problem. What makes sport different from entertainment is unpredictability. Fixing results removes the greatest and most important characteristic, that unpredictability, Richard McLaren, who authored a 2016 report into state-sponsored Russian doping, said in 2019. The Canadian law professor noted that, If it loses unpredictability because of fixed results, the passion for sport is diminished and that is a much bigger issue. So, as we look at the case of former APR and Amavubi midfielder Jean-Baptiste Mugiraneza who faces a one-year suspension for his alleged involvement in match-fixing, it is an opportune moment to explore why these two issues deserve the same level of scrutiny and should be fought with equal vigour. At their core, match-fixing and doping are forms of manipulation that violate the fundamental principles of sportsmanship and fair play. Match-fixing involves altering the natural outcome of a game for personal gain, often for financial reasons or to influence standings. In Mugiraneza’s case, he allegedly attempted to influence the outcome of a match between Musanze FC and Kiyovu Sports by persuading defender Shafiq Bakaki into playing “soft” in exchange for a promise of a transfer to Kiyovu. The incident, which reportedly took place in March, was caught on a leaked audio recording and has raised concerns over the integrity of Rwandan football. Similarly, doping involves the use of performance-enhancing substances to gain an unfair advantage. ALSO READ: Witchcraft: Players who ended their careers prematurely Athletes, who use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) compromise the spirit of competition, artificially improving their abilities while disadvantaging those who choose to compete clean. Just as match-fixing cheats the fans, the players, and the sport itself, doping distorts the natural course of competition, leading to a situation where victory is no longer determined by talent and hard work but by who has the best means of cheating. Both match-fixing and doping also share a broader societal harm. These offenses not only affect the individuals involved but also tarnish the reputation of the entire sport. When a player or coach is implicated in such scandals, the trust of fans is eroded, sponsors may pull their investments away, and young athletes are left disillusioned. This is why the consequences of both match-fixing and doping must be equally severe. The dangers to sports integrity: The risks posed by match-fixing and doping are not limited to the immediate scandal. Over time, if left unchecked, both practices can erode the very foundation of competitive sports. In the case of match-fixing, the competitive integrity of the game is obliterated. Fans and participants alike may begin to question whether the results they see are genuinely reflective of the teams' abilities, or if they are the product of a rigged outcome. In the long term, this can lead to a loss of interest in the sport, reducing its cultural and financial value. Doping, while less visible than match-fixing, is just as stealthy. The use of banned substances presents an ongoing threat to the health and safety of athletes. PEDs may provide short-term physical advantages, but they often come with long-term consequences for an athlete’s health. Beyond the physical harm, doping scandals damage the reputation of athletes, teams, and sports organisations, sometimes permanently. It also sets a poor example for aspiring athletes, who might feel that success is only attainable through shortcuts, undermining the essence of hard work and dedication. Given the similar dangers posed by match-fixing and doping, one might ask: how should we address these problems? The answer lies in adopting a zero-tolerance policy and ensuring that any individual found guilty of either offense faces stringent penalties. The one-year suspension handed to Mugiraneza by the Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) for his alleged role in match-fixing is widely seen as insufficient given the gravity of the offense. In a world where FIFA's disciplinary code allows for a potential 10-year or lifetime ban for match-fixing, a one-year ban risks sending the wrong message. The solution is simple: match-fixing and doping should be treated as equally serious violations. The punishments should be firm and impactful enough to act as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in such practices. For match-fixing, this means imposing lifetime bans and severe financial penalties for those caught attempting to fix games. For doping, athletes found guilty should face multi-year suspensions, loss of titles, and the possibility of lifetime bans for repeat offenders. ALSO READ: Doping may not be a big issue in Rwanda yet but for how long? There is also a need for rigorous testing and surveillance to ensure that cheaters do not get away with their actions. Beyond punishment, education plays a critical role in tackling these problems. Athletes, coaches, and officials must be educated about the long-term consequences of match-fixing and doping. Sports organisations should work together to build a culture of fair play, where integrity is valued above all else. Match-fixing and doping are two sides of the same coin. Both represent serious threats to the integrity of sports and both require equally severe responses. The case of Mugiraneza is a reminder that, though match-fixing may sometimes seem like a victimless crime, its impact on the sport is far-reaching. To protect the future of sports, the battle against match-fixing and doping must be relentless.