The Phenomenon of “Ghost Sportspersons” in Sports

Abstract

Athletic competitions feature false athlete registrations known as “ghost sportspersons” who do not actively participate, primarily through college, university, and municipal sporting platforms, creating substantial ethical dilemmas and legal and governance problems. This study investigates the reasons behind ghost sportspersons, such as financial rewards, institutional demands, and inadequate regulatory oversight systems. It analyses the problems they create for professional athletes and sports teams and the integrity of competitive sports. The study reveals how trust disappeared as competition became misshapen, along with athletes’ mental health due to these actions, which harmed the institutional reputation. To address this problem, this study builds a comprehensive solution combining better verification procedures with regulatory restructuring, training for ethical standards, and technical solutions, including automated identification systems and AI-based tracking technology. Athletic organisations must focus on ghost sportspersons because fixing this issue ensures that competitive environments uphold transparency, fair play, and the foundation of true sportsmanship.