President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 4 November signed amendments to legislation aimed at curbing corruption in sports.
The Criminal Code has been updated to include articles 214−1, “Illegal receipt of material assets or property benefits by participants and organizers of sports competitions,” and 214−2, “Bribery of participants and organizers of sports competitions”.
Under the amendments, athletes, coaches, referees and other participants or organizers who accept material benefits or advantages to influence the outcome or conduct of a competition will face penalties, including fines ranging from 50 to 100 base calculation units ($1,465 to $2930), restrictions of specific rights for up to 3 years or imprisonment for 1 to 3 years.
If these offenses are committed repeatedly, involve substantial sums or extortion, or are premeditated as part of an organized group, the penalties may include higher fines or imprisonment from 3 to 8 years.
Additionally, criminal liability has been introduced for bribing participants and organizers in sports competitions, with similar penalties applied as outlined above.
Individuals who are coerced into taking bribes and report the incident voluntarily within 30 days, showing genuine remorse and assisting with the investigation, may be exempt from liability.
