Match-fixing

Match-fixing means improperly arranging or directing a result before genuine competitive play determines it. The plan may concern a win, loss, draw, or particular score that benefits a person, team, or third party.

Every move may be legal, and the game can even look ordinary. What makes the conduct fixing is the intention to replace real competition with a prepared outcome for an improper advantage, such as money, qualification, rating, the numerical estimate of playing strength, access to a later stage, or a benefit for a teammate.

It is one form of competition manipulation, but not every manipulation is match-fixing. Rating fraud, false identity, or an invented tournament can damage integrity without a prearranged game result. A short game or an agreed draw during play is also not proof by itself. A draw offer allowed by the rules can be legitimate, and an accusation needs evidence of the improper arrangement.