Brazilian sports integrity association launched amid match-fixing scandal

Genius Sports, Entain, DFS operator Rei Do Pitaco and law firms Bichara e Motta and Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados have founded a new Brazilian sports integrity association.

The Associação Brasileira de Defesa da Integridade do Esporte (ABRADIE) has launched with the principal aim of protecting Brazilian sport from match-fixing and spot-fixing, with the issue rising to the surface following allegations of matches being manipulated in Brazilian football’s second division.

The cases are currently being investigated by the Public Ministry of the Goiás, with third parties reportedly paying players to give away penalties during games.

One of these players, Romário, who played for Vila Nova, admitted to taking money from match-fixers and passing his teammates’ details on to them.

In an interview with Globo Esporte Magazine, Romário said that a failed transfer to a club in the Middle East meant he was not registered to play for Vila Nova in Serie B, but he still took the bribe.

He denied having ever participated in the illegal act of manipulating matches.

In light of the growing concerns around match-fixing and the much-anticipated legalisation of the Brazilian market, ABRADIE has stepped up to the plate to detect and discourage fraud and other illegal or unethical activity related to betting on sporting events.

The not-for-profit association will work with the regulator, federal and state law enforcement and other stakeholders, including sports teams and the betting industry, as it aims to protect the integrity of Brazilian sport.

ABRADIE will host a series of consultations and events in order to discuss the current issues surrounding match-fixing.

The body said these consultations would assess the current integrity measures in place in Brazil, as well as the level of education of players, match officials and other stakeholders around match-fixing.

Additionally, ABRADIE will deliver a report with a set of integrity recommendations from its committee to the Brazilian government to consider.

Speaking to EGR, Rei Do Pitaco chief legal officer Rafael Marchetti Marcondes said sport’s prominent role in Brazilian culture needed to be protected.

He said: “The launch of ABRADIE is happening at the right time; the Brazilian market is in the imminence of being regulated and, at the same time, many scandals of match-fixing have been identified by authorities.

“Sports, and especially football, are part of Brazilian culture. As one of the main assets of the country, sports must be preserved. Having an entity concerned about sports’ integrity is not only a need, it is mandatory for a healthy sports ecosystem,” he added.

Also speaking to EGR, Bichara Neto from law firm Bichara e Motta, which represents Brazilian superstar Neymar, said: “Brazil is going through a crucial moment regarding betting and sports integrity.

“The launch of ABRADIE happens with perfect timing and aiming to contribute with the government in order to apply the best international principles and measures in the fight against match-fixing. We are excited to join forces with such reputable stakeholders for the good of Brazilian sports,” he added.

Chris Dougan, chief communications officer at Genius Sports, commented: “We are excited to launch Brazil’s first sports integrity association, to champion a safe and secure betting environment for consumers across the country. We look forward to working with regulators, members of law enforcement, operators, sports leagues and other key stakeholders to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of sports.”