Sport integrity as a national objective: an analysis of the legal and institutional framework of the Republic of Moldova compared to the UK and France [Articol]

Abstract

Purpose of the article: To examine the legal-institutional framework safeguarding sport integrity in the Republic of Moldova and benchmark it against two advanced jurisdictions – the United Kingdom and France – in order to assess alignment with international standards, identify best practices, and pinpoint gaps that undermine public trust in the authenticity of athletic performance and the “spirit of sport.” Methodology: A comparative legal and policy analysis based on desk research of primary legislation, secondary regulations, institutional mandates, and enforcement practices in the three countries; benchmarking again international frameworks (e.g., WADA Code) and recognized integrity domains (anti-doping, match-fixing, corruption prevention, education, data protection). Conclusions: Moldova’s framework contains important elements but remains fragmented and unevenly enforced. Effective integrity protection requires a coherent national strategy, stronger inter-institutional coordination, clearer mandates, and resourced mechanisms for prevention, detection, and sanctions across doping, match-fixing, and corruption. Restoring public trust depends on greater transparency, education, and consistent enforcement, aligned with European integration objectives. Originality: Provides one of the first systematic cross-country comparisons of Moldova’s sport-integrity architecture with UK and France, linking the “spirit of sport” concept to concrete regulatory design and offering a practical benchmark for policy convergence at national and EU levels.