Målfiksert

Målfiksert is a Norwegian term used to describe deliberate manipulation of a sports match's scoreline to achieve a certain outcome, often motivated by illegal betting profits or other illicit gains. The term combines mål (goal) and fiksert (fixed). While not a formal technical term, it is used in media and sport governance discussions to denote scenarios where the score is targeted rather than merely resulting from normal play.

Actors and methods: People who may be involved include players, referees, officials, team staff, or organized crime groups. Methods range from conceding or delaying goals to facilitate a particular scoreline, to intentional own goals or orchestrated sequences of goals, as well as influencing game tempo through stoppages or fouls. Other forms involve collusion with bettors or manipulating multiple matches to cover bets.

Legal and ethical framework: Most jurisdictions treat any deliberate attempt to fix a score as illegal and a breach of sports integrity. Governing bodies like national associations and international federations prohibit corruption and impose sanctions, including suspensions, fines, lifetime bans, and legal action. Betting operators monitor for suspicious activity and cooperate with authorities.

Detection and prevention: Anti-corruption programs include integrity education, risk assessment, whistleblower channels, independent tribunals, and data analytics to spot anomalies in goal timing, player behavior, and match outcomes. Public confidence depends on transparent investigation, consistent sanctions, and cooperation across leagues and law enforcement.

See also: match fixing, sports integrity, sports betting regulation.