Starlizard Integrity Services (SIS), a sports analysis firm, has published its 2023 report on suspicious soccer matches globally, identifying 167 potential instances of match-fixing. The report highlights that 69 of these suspicious matches occurred in the UEFA Cup.
While the number of identified suspicious matches may seem significant, it represents a 16% decrease compared to the previous year. SIS analyzed over 65,000 matches in total, revealing that lower-tier leagues and friendly or youth matches are at a higher risk of manipulation. Notably, there has been an increase in suspicious betting activity on first-half outcomes, accounting for 27% of cases in 2023.
Affi Sheikh, the head of Starlizard Integrity Services, emphasized the importance of continued vigilance in combating match-fixing in football. He stated that while expanded data collection enhances their ability to detect suspicious activity, it also underscores the persistent threat of match-fixing. SIS utilizes algorithms to analyze betting patterns and flag potential signs of match-fixing, subjecting flagged matches to further scrutiny.
The findings from SIS underscore the ongoing challenge of maintaining the integrity of football matches and the need for continued efforts to combat match-fixing globally.
