Sportradar has reported an overall decrease in the number of global match-fixing incidents detected across 2024.
The sports data and integrity solutions provider identified 1,108 suspicious matches across 70 sports worldwide in 2024, a 17 per cent year-on-year decrease.
The highest number of suspicious matches were detected in Europe at 439 matches, which is a 34 per cent reduction on 2023.
Africa also saw a considerable decline in suspicious matches, from 108 matches in 2023 to 69 in 2024.
By sport, soccer saw a considerable fall in suspicious matches, from 881 to 721. Soccer in Brazil, which has had a particularly high number of match-fixing cases in recent years, saw a marked decrease of 48 per cent, with 57 suspicious matches recorded in 2024.
Despite the reduction in suspicious matches, the Sportradar team of integrity experts are still concerned about the issue of match-fixing in sport.
“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,” said Sportradar EVP of integrity, rights protection and regulatory services Andreas Krannich.
“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.”
Shares in Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ:SRAD) gained 2.26 per cent to close at $18.56 per share in New York Thursday.