After consecutive years of detecting an increasing number of suspicious matches, match-fixing at all levels of global sport has seen a notable decline in 2024.
This information is part of the annual integrity report (Integrity in Action 2024 Global Analysis & Trends) published by Sportradar Integrity Services, a unit of Sportradar.
Sportradar monitoring in 2024 over 850,000 matches
Throughout 2024, Sportradar Integrity Services monitored more than 850,000 matches across 70 sports around the world and 1,108 suspicious matches were identified. Which represents a 17% reduction compared to 2023.
Europe has recorded the highest number of suspicious departures, making it the region that has historically faced the most significant integrity issues. However, the year still ended with a 34% reduction in suspicious matches overall in that territory. They identified 439 matches compared to 668 in 2023.
Africa also finished with a considerable decline, with 69 suspicious matches detected, a 36% reduction from the previous year’s 108 matches.
Reducing match-fixing in football
Notably, the most popular sport in the world, football, saw a considerable drop, with 721 suspicious matches detected in 2024. That is, an 18% reduction compared to the 881 matches in 2023.
Furthermore, Brazilian football, affected by match-fixing in recent years, recorded a sharp reduction of 48%. They discovered only 57 suspicious departures in 2024, compared to 110 in 2023.
However, despite the overall reduction in the number of suspicious matches detected, match-fixing remains a persistent problem across the world.
Sportradar uses advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) through its Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) to monitor competitions and identify irregular betting patterns.
But while AI flags unusual activity, such as substantial bets on unlikely outcomes, further investigation is crucial.
Importance of continuous vigilance and innovation
Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President of Integrity, Rights Protection and Regulatory Services at 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, as that the number remains significant.”
“Our investment in innovation, combined with data insights into the betting industry and ongoing integrity education, is at the forefront of keeping pace with the ever-evolving global sports integrity landscape.”
“We remain committed to refining our methods and capabilities and collaborating with the sports and betting industries to support fundamental fair play and protect the integrity of sports around the world,” explained Krannich.
Then, during 2024, Sportradar provided integrity support for major global events such as:
- Summer Olympics in Paris
- UEFA EURO 2024
- CONMEBOL Copa América 2024
- AFC Asian Cup 2023
Therefore, this shows advanced monitoring and betting intelligence capabilities. In July, the company partnered with ATP and Tennis Data Innovations to launch an AI-driven safe sport solution.
The aim is to protect athletes from online abuse, highlighting their commitment to using innovation to address wider issues of integrity in sport.
Check out the full report below.