The latest report from Sportradar shows a significant decline in suspicious matches detected in Europe and Africa; corruption in soccer has decreased worldwide.
Press release.- After consecutive years of detecting an increasing number of suspicious matches, match-fixing across all levels of global sport recorded a notable decline in 2024, according to the annual integrity report ("Integrity in Action 2024 Global Analysis & Trends") published by Sportradar Integrity Services, a unit of Sportradar.
Throughout 2024, Sportradar Integrity Services monitored over 850,000 matches in 70 sports worldwide and identified 1,108 suspicious matches, a 17 percent decrease from 2023. The highest number of suspicious matches was detected in Europe, the region that has historically faced the most significant integrity issues. However, the year ended with a 34 percent reduction in the total number of suspicious matches in this territory, with 439 matches identified compared to 668 in 2023. Africa also ended with a considerable decline, with 69 suspicious matches detected, 36 percent less than the 108 from the previous year.
In particular, the world's most popular sport, soccer, experienced a considerable decline, with 721 suspicious matches detected in 2024, an 18 percent reduction compared to the 881 matches of 2023. Additionally, Brazilian soccer, which has been affected by match-fixing cases in recent years, recorded a marked decline of 48 percent, with 57 suspicious matches discovered last year, compared to 110 in 2023. Despite the overall reduction in the number of suspicious matches detected, match-fixing remains a persistent problem worldwide.
Sportradar uses advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) through its Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) to monitor competitions and identify irregular betting patterns. While AI flags unusual activities, such as substantial bets on unlikely outcomes, the integrity expert team at Sportradar is crucial for confirming match-fixing activities for further investigation.
Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President of Integrity, Rights Protection, and Regulatory Services at Sportradar, stated: "While the notable reduction in suspicious matches in 2024 gives us reason for optimism, it also signals the need to maintain vigilance and innovation, given that the number remains significant."
"Our investment in innovation, combined with data insights about the betting sector and ongoing integrity education, are at the forefront to keep pace with the constantly evolving global landscape of sports integrity. We remain committed to refining our methods and capabilities and collaborating between the sports and betting industries to support foundational fair play and safeguard the integrity of sport worldwide," explained Krannich.
