Key points:
- Suspicious matches decreased 17% globally in 2024, the first reduction after years of increases
- Europe saw a 34% reduction in suspicious matches, while soccer-related cases dropped 18% worldwide
- Results based on monitoring of over 850,000 matches across 70 sports using AI and expert analysis
Sportradar has released its annual integrity report revealing the first decrease in global match-fixing incidents after years of increasing numbers.
The report shows a 17% reduction in suspicious matches detected during 2024, with 1,108 cases identified across 12 sports in 95 countries.
The analysis, based on monitoring over 850,000 matches across 70 sports, revealed significant improvements in key regions.
Europe, historically the area most affected by match-fixing, recorded a 34% decrease with 439 suspicious matches identified, down from 668 in 2023.
Africa showed similar improvement, with suspicious matches falling 36% to 69 cases.
Soccer, particularly vulnerable to match-fixing, experienced an 18% reduction in suspicious matches, dropping from 881 in 2023 to 721 in 2024.
Good to know: Sportradar's monitoring system combines data analytics and artificial intelligence through its Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS), supported by a team of integrity experts who verify suspicious activities
Brazilian soccer showed especially marked improvement, with suspicious matches decreasing 48% to 57 cases.
Commenting on these results, Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President of Integrity at Sportradar, stated: “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.
"Our investment in innovation combined with data insights into the betting industry and continued education on integrity are 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 across the sports and betting industries to support foundational fair play and safeguard the integrity of sports worldwide.”
