Demand that Real Madrid's drubbing of Osasuna be investigated for alleged match fixing

Real Madrid won with a strange ease to Osasuna by a score of 4-0 and in social networks spread a video in which apparently there is a certain complacency on the part of the players of the “rojillos”, something that has aroused suspicions of a possible match fixing and therefore demand the investigation of the match.

Match-fixing in Spain: A Recurrent Problem

Match-fixing in Spanish soccer has been a topic of great concern and debate over the years. Despite the efforts of sports and government authorities to eradicate this practice, several cases have emerged that have tarnished the image of Spanish soccer.

What is match fixing?

Match-fixing involves manipulating the outcome of a sporting match with the aim of obtaining an economic or sporting benefit. This can involve players, referees, managers or even organized betting groups.

Causes of match-fixing

• Illegal betting: The proliferation of sports betting has created a black market where high sums of money are offered to influence the results.
• Financial debts: Some players or clubs may be tempted to fix matches to pay off debts or obtain short-term financial benefits.
• Pressure for results: The pressure to achieve good sporting results, especially in teams with high expectations, can lead some to make desperate decisions.

• Corruption: Corruption in soccer, such as bribery or influence peddling, can facilitate match-fixing.

Consequences of match-fixing

• Loss of credibility: Match-fixing undermines the credibility of soccer and generates distrust among fans.
• Sports sanctions: Players, clubs and referees involved in match-fixing can be sanctioned with suspensions, fines or even expulsion from soccer.
• Criminal investigations: The most serious cases can lead to criminal investigations and convictions.
• Economic damage: Rigging can have a negative impact on soccer's economy, as it can affect the value of sponsorship and television rights.

High-profile cases in Spain

Throughout the history of Spanish soccer, there have been several cases of match-fixing that have shaken the sports world. Some of the best known include:

• Operation Oikos: One of the largest operations against match-fixing in Spain, which affected teams in the Second Division B and Third Division.
• Caso Osasuna: An investigation that revealed a corruption scheme at the Navarre club, with allegations of match-fixing and diversion of funds.
• Other isolated cases: Over the years, there have been other cases of match-fixing in different categories of Spanish soccer.

Measures to combat match-fixing

To combat match-fixing, the sports and government authorities have implemented various measures, including:

• Increased vigilance: Surveillance of sports betting and financial transactions of clubs and players has been intensified.
• Tougher sanctions: Penalties for those involved in match-fixing have been toughened.
• Prevention programs: Educational programs have been implemented to raise awareness among players, referees and managers of the risks of match-fixing.
• International cooperation: Cooperation between different countries has been strengthened to combat international match-fixing networks.

Despite these efforts, match-fixing remains a latent problem in Spanish soccer and other sports. It is essential that all actors involved, from players to institutions, work together to eradicate this practice and ensure the integrity of the sport.