Corruption in sports: Lessons from Montenegro

Abstract

This paper represents a pioneering attempt to study corruption in sports within the Western Balkans countries. Even though it is not a new phenomenon, as such, it aims to contribute to the existing literature on corruptive practices associated with the sports by exploring its nature, reach and magnitude. A mixed-method approach is employed using two levels of analysis – document analysis followed by semi-structured interviews. From 2006, Montenegro's official political orientation was towards membership within the European Union (EU). That said, for a country currently undergoing the process of EU integration, the control of corruption represents an essential element of the legitimization of both parties, Montenegro and the EU. However, as found, the form of corruption enables continuity of the dominant position of the long-standing political structure in power – the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS). The DPS utilizes a range of undemocratic practices, combining clientelism and corruption to spread its influence outside of politics, on the broader socio-economic realms. The significance of the empirical study is in offering new perspectives and insights from a specific country within the Western Balkans, confirming the existence of a strong clientelist network established in the sports movement in Montenegro. The presence of politically exposed persons within sports governing bodies influences decisions at all levels in favor of political interest, including allocation of resources, public funds and media protection.