Professional Sports and Criminological Risks

Abstract

Introduction. The article highlights the problem of criminological risks in professional sports, which by its nature is characterized by significant criminogenic potential. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to show the criminogenicity of professional sports and the appropriateness of applying a risk-based approach to its analysis. Methodology. The research methodology is based on identifying criminological risks in relation to professional sport and its subjects in terms of ensuring their safety. Results. Professional sport has a pronounced criminological content due to the fact that it: a) activity with the goal of making a profit; b) illegal competitions are held; c) there is crime among athletes; d) this area is attractive for corruption, money laundering and, in general, for organized crime; e) in this area, mass deviations from fans are often observed; f) this is the sphere of international politics and here there are elements of a hybrid war, the target of which is Russia, and the high-level professional athletes are the victims. Criminological risks in the field of professional sports are differentiated into three groups: criminal, criminogenic and victimological. Criminal risks are related to the commission of crimes in this area. Criminogenic risks are associated with the criminalization of professional sports. Victimological risks are currently concentrated in the field of international professional sports and are most pronounced in doping scandals, the main victim of which was designated Russia. Conclusion. Public relations in the field of professional sports require analysis from the perspective of a risk-based approach, which should be supplemented by an assessment of criminological risks: criminal, criminogenic and victimological. It is important to take into account the political dimension of such risks – both in the field of domestic and international politics.