Sports Corruption 2016 Conference

Introduction

Once again, this popular annual conference focuses on a wide range of topical and difficult issues from match manipulation to anti-doping controls. With a panel of leading experts this conference will appeal to all these who need to keep right up-to-date with all the latest issues in this complex, fast moving and controversial area of work.

Conference Agenda

9.30am - 10.15am: Opening Address: Sports Corruption - A Year On: Where Are We Now?

Stuart Cameron-Waller, Consultant to INTERPOL/FIFA Integrity in Sport Initiative

From match fixing in cricket and tennis and the ongoing FIFA saga through to disclosures of 'embedded corruption' at the IAAF, this opening session will focus on the current hot topics as at the time of the conference.

10.15am - 11.00am: Criminal Vs Civil - Different Approaches to Combating Match Manipulation

Nigel Mawer, QPM, Vice Chairman WPBSA

Match manipulation to gain money through betting is a major issue facing SGBs today. It poses a real threat to the integrity of sport and to a sports survival as it impacts on all the commercial aspects of sport. Sponsors and broadcasters do not want to be associated with a sport that lacks credibility. SGBs do have different options in how to deal with such issues when they arise, but this is not a simple area and there are problems associated with following either the criminal or the civil route.

When such allegations arise what are the options that SGBs have in combating the problem?
What are the practical issues when deciding whether to go down the civil or criminal route?
What are the different opportunities that each option provides to an investigation?
What preparatory steps should SGBs take to be able to deal with such issues?
Who can provide advice and guidance in this area?

11.15am - 12.00pm: Anti-Doping Controls in Athletics and the Consequences of Non Compliance

Professor Graham Brooks, Wolverhampton Law School

Individual athletes are blamed for injecting or ingesting illegal and/or banned substances to secure an advantage in sport. However, it is often a combination of corrupt athletes, trainers, medical practitioners and poor governance that allows athletes to circumvent rules and regulations, with the sanctions, if used, often ineffectual in preventing doping.

The international context preventing doping in athletics
Amendments to the WADA code 2015 regarding intentional doping
Athletes, coaches and nations liability that are doping
Athletics bodies response to doping

12.00pm - 12.45pm: Alternative & Complimentary Approaches to Combat Corruption in Sport

Kevin Carpenter, Captivate Legal & Sports Solutions

Law enforcement and sport investigators are having to think of innovative ways to combat corruption in sport. This session will show various new avenues to tackle corruption in sport so as to achieve successful outcomes from intelligence and investigative activities.

Intelligence sharing and data protection
Reporting mechanisms
Role of the media
Integrity Units

12.45pm - 1.00pm: Questions on Morning Session

2.00pm - 2.50pm: Sports Corruption Law Workshop: Putting the Principles into Practice

Louis Weston, 3PB

This highly practical session will involve delegates working together through a specially prepared scenario, discuss alternative outcomes and present their conclusions and solutions.

2.50pm - 3.40pm: Sports Corruption: Protecting Victims' Rights in Law Enforcement Investigations and Prosecutions

Ian Smith, 33 Chancery Lane

Victims' rights need carefully planned protection to match increasing law enforcement involvement in sports corruption cases and draconian recovery powers wielded by states.

The status of victims in law enforcement investigations and prosecutions
The nature of victims' rights, including:
- Civil-court personal claims, proprietary rights and Article 1 Protocol 1 Human Rights
- Criminal-court claims for compensation and restitution
Competing claims to target property from law enforcement agencies and other victims
Managing relationships with law enforcement officers, prosecutors and other lawyers

3.55pm - 4.45pm: Closing Address: Are The Sports Governing Bodies 'Fit For Purpose'?

Nick de Marco, Blackstone Chambers

4.45pm - Close: Questions & Answers