A report has revealed that 167 football matches were flagged for suspected match-fixing and unusual betting patterns in 2023.
The study, carried out by Starlizard Integrity Services (SIS), covered more than 65,000 football matches from professional leagues and competitions around the world. According to the results, 167 matches or 0.26% of those analyzed, showed indicators of possible match-fixing. This represents a 16% increase on the 144 matches identified during 2022.
However, the report also notes that SIS analyzed a fewer number of matches in 2022 with the 144 flagged matches representing 0.39% of the total figure.
Report highlights
- 0.18% of matches analyzed in UEFA (Europe) region flagged as suspicious
- 0.47% of matches analyzed in AFC (Asian) region flagged as suspicious
- 0.52% of international matches in AFC flagged as suspicious
- 49.7% of suspect matches played in domestic leagues below top flight
- 25.2% of suspect matches played in top flight leagues
- 10.8% of suspect matches were club friendlies
- 6% of suspect matches were youth matches
Despite full-time betting markets remaining as the most suspicious betting activity, 27% of suspect matches involved betting on first half only results. This was up from just 4.2% in the previous year.
According to SIS matches are flagged as “suspicious” when they are found to have suspect betting patterns. However, the report notes that not all matches identified in the report were investigated by local gambling regulators or footballing governing bodies.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.