Though online betting sites capitalize on luck, the ultimate results should revolve around fair play and sportsmanship in football. Though there are controversies about matches being rigged, fair play is the key indicator of a capable footballer.
Fairness in sports determines the loyalty of fans. Even if you’re betting online, you need to practise fair play. That involves using the right etiquettes, and you can read more here. This applies primarily to football since it is one of the most globally influential sports.
Why is Fair Play Important in Football?
Fair play is not just a right that ensures equal opportunities for players but also protects them from being taken advantage of. Most importantly, Fair play is crucial to hold credibility in matches where millions of supporters across the globe buy match tickets and gather in stadiums
Fair play establishes a sense of pride in the tribe or community and helps young players to grow psychologically, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Fair play teaches life lessons of integrity, teamwork, moral conduct, and self-discipline, according to research.
Spirit of Sportsmanship
It is easy to get carried away in the promise of grandiose, fame, and abundant wealth. This is one of the main reasons why fair play ensures that every player stays grounded as they earn their achievements. Bribing your way to success, implementing petty tricks and cheating is easy and quick. But ultimately, it gives no sense of fulfilment and builds a shallow character.
Fair play is a part of sportsmanship and enhances the team spirit. It makes the achievements sweeter and losses more emotional. This in turn strengthens the bond among the team members.
Match-Fixing Incidents
When the outcome or result of a match has been controlled and manipulated, it is called match-fixing. It is concerning how common they are. Many times, the truth of the scandals is not exposed as they are hushed by money.
1. West Germany vs Austria in 1982
Though neither Austria nor West Germany were found guilty, it was obvious to anyone who watched the 1982 match that it was rigged. Throughout the entirety of the game, the two teams were seen passing the ball to each other.
Global condemnation forced FIFA to introduce a new rule for the ultimate matches of tournaments, stating that all of them were to be played simultaneously.
2. Totonero in 1980
A match-fixing ring was discovered involving Lazio players. The Italian World Cup winner, Paolo Rossi was arrested. It was found that the regulars of this ring were Italian players. Club owners and many players were arrested.
Unfortunately, this was not the last Italian match-fixing scandal.
3. Olympique de Marseille in 1993
Marseille bribed Valenciennes to lose. Marseille won the UEFA Champions League in 1993. Bernard Tapie, the former owner of Marseille, who was primarily responsible for the match-fixing, was banned from football.
Final Words
Imagine being excited for a game to end up losing. On top of that, you find out that your opponent had cheated and snatched away your opportunity to win. Now, apply it to a global socio-economic franchise like football.
