By Trend News Line 2024-03-19 09:00:00.
Investigation Reveals Alarming Number of Suspicious Football Matches
A recent study conducted by Starlizard Integrity Services (SIS) has brought to light a concerning trend in the world of football. The report analysed over 65,000 games, including national and international competitions, as well as non-competitive matches, and identified 167 matches played in 2023 as suspicious. This represents a 16% increase from the previous year, although the percentage of suspicious matches decreased from 0.39% in 2022 to 0.26% in 2023.
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Regional Analysis Uncovers Troubling Patterns
The data revealed that 41.3% of the suspicious matches were played in the UEFA region, accounting for 0.18% of all matches analysed in that region. The AFC region had the highest percentage of suspicious matches at 0.47%, with 0.52% of all international matches falling under this category. Surprisingly, almost half of the suspicious matches occurred in domestic leagues below the top tiers, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
Diverse Range of Matches Impacted
The report also highlighted the vulnerability of various types of matches to manipulation. Top-level leagues were not immune, with 25.2% of suspicious matches occurring in this category. Club friendly and youth matches accounted for a significant portion of suspicious activity, despite representing a small percentage of all games analysed. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in suspicious betting activity on First-Half Only markets, indicating a shift in betting patterns.
Combatting Match-Fixing Challenges
Matches flagged as suspicious are subject to further investigation by SIS, who categorize them based on suspect betting patterns. Affy Sheikh, Head of Starlizard Integrity Services, emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in identifying suspicious matches to minimize false positives. The report underscores the persistent threat posed by match-fixing in football and the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the sport.
Starlizard Integrity Services: Leading the Fight Against Match-Fixing
Starlizard Integrity Services is the dedicated integrity division of Starlizard, a renowned sports betting consultancy based in London. With a deep understanding of sports and betting markets, SIS is at the forefront of identifying suspicious matches and patterns. Since 2010, Starlizard has been providing independent integrity services to sports governing bodies, with SIS established in 2017 to focus exclusively on this critical work. Their expertise in analyzing betting markets and sporting performance positions them as a key player in the ongoing battle against match-fixing.
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In conclusion, the findings of the SIS report serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in preserving the integrity of football. With the prevalence of suspicious matches on the rise, it is imperative for stakeholders across the industry to work together in combatting this persistent threat. For more information on the full report, visit the Starlizard Integrity Services website..
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