While global incidents decreased, a report said Asia remains a hotspot for matchfixing accounting for 50 % of suspicious matches.
Sportradar's annual Integrity Report for 2024 paints a complex picture of the global fight against match-fixing. While the report highlights a decrease in suspicious matches worldwide, Asia remains a significant concern, accounting for a staggering 50% of all detected incidents.
The report, acquired by Asia Casino News upon its January 10 release, reveals a global reduction in suspicious matches, with Europe experiencing the most substantial improvement despite registering the highest number of what Sportsradar described as “suspicious matches” anew. According to the report, Europe logged 439 matches, which is 229 less than the previous year.
As stated in the report, "Asia and North America largely maintained the previous year's levels, with each region seeing a slight rise of eight matches." This stability at a high level in Asia is cause for concern.
While soccer remains the most affected sport globally, with 721 suspicious matches detected, the geographical distribution of match-fixing is evolving.
"As in 2023, Asia was the most targeted region as it accounted for 50% of all suspicious matches," the report states, emphasizing the continued vulnerability of Asian sporting events. This figure, while a slight decrease from 53% in 2023, still highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions in the region.
Sportradar's involvement in key events across the globe showcases their commitment to combating match-fixing. In Asia, they played a crucial role in safeguarding the AFC Asian Cup 2023. “Working alongside the AFC, we delivered a range of services including risk assessment, live monitoring, and intelligence support throughout the tournament,” the report highlights. This proactive approach is essential in mitigating the risks of match manipulation.
Despite global efforts and successes in some regions, the situation in Asia remains a pressing issue. The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the continuous need for vigilance, robust monitoring systems, and collaborative efforts to tackle the complex problem of match-fixing in Asia. Sportradar's ongoing work with various sporting bodies and their commitment to developing their services offers a glimmer of hope in this ongoing battle for sports integrity.
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