New Working Group on AI and corruption in sport gathers for kick-off
A new IPACS Working Group, tasked with looking into the corruption-related risks and the anti-corruption benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) for sport, met for the first time on 3 February 2025. The members were selected after an official call for interest, and include private sector and academic experts, officials from governments and intergovernmental organisations, and representatives from sports organisations.
After initial discussions about the Working Group’s Terms of Reference, which were approved by the IPACS Annual General Conference in October 2024, the participants split into three breakout sessions to identify priorities and potential activities within the thematic areas of potential risks; potential benefits; and regulatory frameworks in relation to AI and (anti-)corruption in sport.
Analysis of AI benefits
On the one hand, AI can be an efficient tool to detect anomalies like match fixing, bribery and money laundering. Working Group experts pointed out that it can systemise and analyse data to support compliance and investigations, and it has the power to strengthen objectivity and integrity during competitions through AI-driven tools for judging and refereeing. The Working Group will conduct a mapping of how AI is currently used in sport in order to gain a complete picture of these advantages.
Risks to be aware of
The Working Group also discussed how, on the other hand, AI can assist fraud by facilitating the preparation of fake documents and signatures – a phenomenon already encountered by several sports organisations. And just as big data can be used by integrity agencies to fight corruption by identifying vulnerabilities in betting markets, it can also be abused by organised crime to exploit these vulnerabilities. Also, from a safeguarding perspective, the implications of AI for data privacy are important. In addition, it was pointed out that developed countries are able to benefit more from AI tools than developing ones, implying inequality in accessing AI tools.
Frameworks, rules and regulations
In view of these potential benefits and risks, the Working Group experts agreed that it will be necessary to assess the scope of current legal frameworks, rules and regulations and the need to adopt or amend those, or even establish new ones. During this process, the Working Group will also look at regulations and best practices from other sectors.