Czechia among top countries for manipulated sports matches
Czechia ranks second globally in the number of manipulated sports matches, surpassed only by Brazil, according to Sportradar.
The Czech Republic has gained an unfortunate distinction as one of the top countries with the highest number of manipulated sports matches, second only to Brazil, according to a report by Sportradar. While this may raise concerns, Ondřej Šebek, chairman of the National Sports Agency, sees it differently. Speaking to Czech Radio, he explained, "This statistic may not be flattering, but I believe it clearly shows that our betting industry is well-regulated and controlled."
Šebek points out that advanced systems are in place to monitor and control betting activities. "Thanks to the sophisticated approach of betting companies, which have well-established algorithms, a significant number of bets are withdrawn from the market when suspicious activity is detected."
Despite the concerning numbers, Šebek insists that the mechanisms to prevent match-fixing are working effectively. The prevalence of such incidents, he says, is proof that the monitoring system is functioning as it should. "The fact that we have these statistics shows that our mechanisms to prevent betting on potentially manipulated matches are in place."
Three Types of Manipulation
There are three primary ways sports matches can be manipulated, according to Šebek. The first involves influencing the outcome of a match through non-sporting means, benefitting one team or another, such as moving them closer to playoff spots.
The second type, discussed prominently at a congress organized by Interpol in Prague, is tied to organized crime. Criminal groups operating across borders may engage in betting on matches in countries where betting is less regulated, like parts of Asia or Africa, while some Czech athletes might be entangled in this illicit business. These athletes could be financially incentivized to manipulate a match's outcome or specific in-game events, such as the first corner kick or when a yellow card is issued. "This isn't just about the result anymore," Šebek explained, "because nowadays, bets are placed on small, seemingly minor moments within the game."
While the manipulation may not always determine the match’s final score, the Czech sports authorities maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward such practices, as it fundamentally violates the principle of fair play. Additionally, any form of match manipulation is a criminal offense.
A third form of manipulation, less common in the Czech Republic but seen in other parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, involves the laundering of money from criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, through betting on fixed matches.
Prevention and Education
Preventing match manipulation is a multi-faceted task. According to Šebek, the betting industry itself plays a crucial role. "Betting companies also have a vested interest in ensuring fair play and preventing match-fixing," he said. Furthermore, education is a key aspect of the National Sports Agency’s strategy to combat match-fixing.
"We consider match-fixing one of the five key areas in our 'Clean Sport' platform," Šebek explained. "We educate sports organizations to be aware of the issue and appoint representatives responsible for promoting this awareness within their sports."
The goal is to ensure athletes understand the risks, both legal and personal, of getting involved in match-fixing. "They need to know that someone might approach them with an offer that seems tempting at first due to the financial reward. But the reality is that they could end up being blackmailed, and it could become a lifelong problem for them," warned Šebek.
In this effort, it’s essential to highlight examples of those who have fallen into the trap of match-fixing, using their experiences as cautionary tales to deter others from following the same path.
By continuing to focus on education and regulation, Šebek remains optimistic that the Czech Republic can maintain the integrity of its sports despite the sobering statistics.
