Combating Match Fixing in Club Football Non-Competitive Matches

Background There is a growing body of evidence of match-fixing in non-competitive matches (hereafter Friendlies) in lower level football clubs. Matches under suspicion are played off season when the result has no consequence. With no sporting urgency involved or official regulations, matches prove easier to corrupt, particularly at the lower level of the European game. Clubs' financial weakness which is demonstrated by the UEFA statistics, make them vulnerable to approaches from the criminal fraternity Objectives a) To understand the issue of manipulation in friendly matches, b) to explore governance/regulations, the role of existing stakeholders and how friendlies are exploited by match-fixers, c) to apply research methods with stakeholders and football players as target groups for exploring the nature of match fixing and who is involved, d) issue recommendations to official bodies concerned, e) produce intellectual/educational material, g) disseminate the outcome at European and International level Implementation A literature review provided information on friendlies match-fixing, statistics were collected and case studies were analyzed. Interviews were conducted with stakeholders including National Associations, Official bodies, Betting operators and regulators. A football players’ survey was conducted in Greece, Malta and Cyprus. Based on the project results, the partners issued recommendations and developed intellectual material. Results were presented in a final conference and dissemination events. Achievements Statistical data and the literature review show suspected match-fixing in friendlies increasing at financially vulnerable clubs. Betting on these matches involves unregulated betting operators linked to criminality. Player surveys show 26.5% participated in friendly matches they suspect were fixed. Club officials were the main instigators. A lack of sporting regulation combined with availability of these games on global betting markets leaves these games at risk of exploitation by match-fixers.