Notable Decline in Match-Fixing in 2024: Insights from Sportradar
There has been a considerable decline in match-fixing in sports has seen significant progress in 2024, according to the recently published annual Integrity Report by Sportradar
The report, which analyzes global betting patterns and identifies suspicious activities, reveals a sharp decline in detected match-fixing incidents compared to previous years. This positive trend is being hailed as a success for the combined efforts of sporting bodies, law enforcement, and betting companies.
Decline in Match-Fixing: Key Findings from the Integrity Report
Sportradar’s 2024 Integrity Report documents 1,108 suspicious matches globally, a 17% decrease from 2023. Football remains the sport with the highest number of suspicious cases, followed by basketball and tennis.
The highest number of suspicious matches were found across Europe, the region historically facing the most significant integrity issues. However, the year still ended with a 34% reduction in suspicious matches overall in this territory, with 439 matches identified compared to 668 in 2023.
Play in Legitimate Online Casinos in 2025
Africa also finished with a considerable decline, with 69 suspicious matches detected—a 36% decrease from 108 matches the year before.
Notably, soccer, the world’s most popular sport, saw a considerable downturn. With 721 suspicious matches detected in 2024, this is an 18% reduction from 881 matches in 2023. Brazilian soccer has faced many match-fixing cases in recent years. Now it recorded a marked decrease of 48%, with 57 suspicious matches discovered last year compared to 110 in 2023. Source: sportradar.com.
Despite the overall reduction in suspicious matches, match-fixing remains a persistent issue worldwide. This decline, however, is being interpreted as evidence of more robust systems to detect and deter manipulation.
Regions and Leagues at Risk
While top-tier professional leagues generally maintain rigorous oversight, the report highlights that lower football leagues remain particularly vulnerable. Financial instability, lower salaries, and limited public attention make players and officials in these leagues more susceptible to illicit approaches from criminal networks. According to Sportradar, over 70% of the flagged matches occurred in lower-tier competitions, where governance structures and integrity mechanisms are weaker.
Technological Advances in Detection
One of the major factors contributing to the decline in match-fixing is the advancement of data analytics and AI-driven monitoring systems. Sportradar’s Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) scans millions of data points from betting markets worldwide, enabling real-time identification of irregular patterns.
Collaboration between stakeholders—including sports federations and betting operators—has also improved significantly, making it harder for fixers to evade detection.
Declining Numbers: A Sign of Progress?
Experts interpret the declining figures as a sign that preventive measures are having an impact. Increased awareness campaigns, stricter regulations, and more significant consequences for those caught fixing matches are all credited with creating a deterrent effect.
Jens Sejer Andersen, director of the global watchdog Play the Game, praised the progress, stating, “The figures indicate that the tide may be turning, but continued vigilance is essential to safeguard the integrity of sports.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite these gains, challenges remain. Match-fixing persists in less regulated markets and lower-profile sports where oversight is limited. Sportradar warns against complacency, emphasizing the need for ongoing investment in technology and education.
Additionally, geopolitical instability and economic disparities can create fertile ground for criminal activities linked to sports betting.
The 2024 Integrity Report offers a glimmer of hope for the sports industry’s battle against corruption. The notable decline in match-fixing cases reflects progress, but experts stress the importance of maintaining momentum.
With continued innovation and international cooperation, stakeholders aim to make the integrity of sports unassailable. To protect the trust and passion of fans worldwide.
More News Selected for you
You must be logged in to post a comment.
