In the six months leading up to 30 June, 0.48% of the 16,336 games analyzed by SIS were flagged as suspicious matches. This is slightly lower than the 84 matches identified in the first half of 2022. Suspicious matches are categorized based on suspect betting patterns, which could indicate match-fixing.
Out of the reported games, 40 took place in the UEFA confederation region, which covers all of Europe. Additionally, 11 matches were flagged in Conmebol’s South American region. In domestic men’s competitions, at least one alert was recorded in 24 different countries. It is important to note that 61% of all alerts raised in H1 came from leagues below the top division.
A total of 11 “international” matches were identified, including international games, cross-border club competitions, and club friendly matches. SIS head, Affy Sheikh, pointed out that these statistics highlight the ongoing presence of suspicious betting activity and match-fixing in football. Sheikh emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among anti-corruption stakeholders to address this persistent problem in the sport.
Sheikh also expressed concerns about specialized markets, such as first half only betting. In H1, 21 matches were flagged due to suspicious betting patterns in this market. This demonstrates the various avenues through which match manipulation attempts may occur.
The rise in integrity alerts from lower domestic leagues once again underscores the vulnerability of participants in lower-funded leagues and competitions. Continued vigilance and education are crucial in these contexts.
In March, SIS launched Komodo, a new online integrity alert system for sports governing bodies and enforcement agencies. This system is free of charge and flags suspicious matches to relevant organizations worldwide. Komodo provides analysis of betting market activity and on-field performances, initially focusing on football with plans to expand to other sports like cricket.
