ST. GALLEN, SWITZERLAND—After consecutive years of detecting rising numbers of suspicious matches, match-fixing at all levels of global sport registered 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 (NASDAQ:SRAD).
Throughout 2024, Sportradar Integrity Services monitored more than 850,000 matches across 70 sports worldwide and 1,108 suspicious matches were identified, a 17% decrease from 2023. 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. Africa also finished with a considerable decline with 69 suspicious matches detected, a 36% decrease from 108 matches the year before.
Notably, the world’s most popular sport, soccer, saw a considerable downturn, with 721 suspicious matches detected in 2024, a reduction of 18% from 881 matches in 2023. Moreover, Brazilian soccer, which has been affected by match-fixing cases in recent years, recorded a marked decrease of 48% with 57 suspicious matches discovered last year, down from 110 in 2023. Nevertheless, despite the overall reduction in the number of suspicious matches detected, match-fixing remains a persistent issue 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 activity, such as substantial wagers on unlikely outcomes, Sportradar’s team of integrity experts is crucial in confirming match-fixing activities for further investigation.
Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President, Integrity, Rights Protection & Regulatory Services, Sportradar, said: “While the notable reduction in suspicious matches in 2024 gives us reason to be optimistic, it also signals the need for continued vigilance and innovation, given that the number remains significant.”
Sportradar is led by Andy Cunningham, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships, Integrity Services. He joined Sportradar in 2013 and is responsible for the partnerships and business development for the company’s Integrity Services department. This unit supports over 250 sports governing bodies, law enforcement agencies, betting operators and state authorities around the world to counter betting related match-fixing and other sporting integrity threats through their innovative and proven bet monitoring, intelligence, investigation and education services.
This includes working internationally with FIFA, UEFA, the IOC, the NBA, the NHL, World Rugby and FIA. Andy also works extensively with partners in Australia, including Basketball Australia, Rugby Australia, the AFL, NRL and government and law enforcement agencies.
For more information about Sportradar, please visit www.sportradar.com