FIFA signs deal with Sportradar to enhance transparency

Under the terms of the new agreement, Sportradar, the global leader in match manipulation detection and prevention, will use its award-winning Fraud Detection System to identify and analyse any suspicious betting behaviour or patterns across a number of international and domestic competitions around the world.

FIFA will work closely with the six continental confederations (CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, UEFA, the AFC and the OFC) that comprise FIFA’s member associations to ensure that any findings are provided to the appropriate organisations, and to support any relevant follow-up action or disciplinary proceedings.

The monitoring activities will cover various FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and its qualifiers, the FIFA Confederations Cup, the Olympic Football Tournaments and all of its youth competitions, as well as a wide range of national leagues and all confederation-run competitions.

In addition to monitoring and detection services, FIFA will be able to call on Sportradar’s in-house intelligence and investigation experts.

Sportradar will also deliver a full range of fraud prevention services and provide a programme of educational workshops and e-learning solutions, as well as a bespoke app to enable players, coaches and staff to understand the importance of protecting the integrity of football and the repercussions of fraudulent activities.

The app will allow them to confidentially and anonymously report any concerns.

Speaking about the news, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “Preserving the integrity of the game is paramount to FIFA. Given that match manipulation is still a serious concern for everyone who loves the game, FIFA will work with Sportradar, the global leader in match manipulation detection and prevention, to invigorate and enhance our integrity programme. FIFA is committed to tackling match manipulation and protecting the integrity of football for players and fans.”

Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl added “It is an incredible honour to stand side by side with FIFA and also with all the confederations in a clear and unequivocal statement of intent and resistance. We have worked hard to earn the trust of a whole range of stakeholders across sport and of course football, and now we have the chance to join up all that work, expertise and insight and to provide the game with such a high level of monitoring and collaboration. We thank President Infantino and his team for their trust and look forward to working together with FIFA at the start of this new era.”