2 UEFA Europa Conference League fixtures have been flagged under suspicion of match-fixing.

Both matches in question are first-round qualifying matches in the 3rd tier of European football. 

The first match was a contest between FC Alashkert of Armenia and FK Arsenal Tivat from the Montenegran football league. This fixture finished 6 – 1 to the Armenians, making an aggregated score across both legs 7 – 2.

The second match was played by FK RFS of the Latvian Virsliga, who beat FK Makedonija Gjorche Petrov 4 – 1, making their aggregate score 5 – 1.

The allegations

Both matches were played on the 20th of July and have been flagged due to suspicious betting patterns. 

There is as of yet, no suggestion that any specific individuals were involved. The betting patterns could have been flagged by an individual, team or match official. 

What is known is that European Football’s governing body, UEFA, is conducting an investigation into the suspicious activity, making this statement on the matter: 

“In line with its long-standing practice, UEFA refrains from commenting on investigations or even the existence of potential investigations into alleged match-fixing so as not to compromise investigation processes.”

Subsequent to the commencement of the investigations, RFS and Alashkert were suspended from the competition with their victorious opponents being eliminated in the very next round. 

Heighten risks from a new contest

The Europa Conference League (UECL) was inaugurated at the beginning of the 2021-22 European football season making it an extremely new competition.

Forming the lower level of the 2nd tier of European football, the Europa League, the UECL has brought a brilliant opportunity for lower-market teams and clubs to attain the incredibly lucrative pot of UEFA prize money.

The massive cash injections available compared to the size of clubs eligible for them has, however, sparked a far greater risk of match-fixing. 

To combat this UEFA has re-iterated its stringent match-fixing regulations:

“UEFA is following a strict zero-tolerance policy, and serious sanctions (including lifetime bans from football) have been imposed in cases where players, officials or referees were found guilty of breaching these provisions.”

New professional sporting provisions

UEFA has taken significantly tangible steps towards strengthening its ability to prevent and investigate instances that bring its competitions into disrepute, including but not limited to match-fixing.

Another statement from UEFA has stressed the vital importance of the flow of information between the regulatory body and local law enforcement. The body also claimed that criminal investigations could benefit a great deal from the unique sporting insight it may provide. 

This would be of assistance when investigating and prosecuting serious crimes. 

Additionally, UEFA signed a joint cooperation agreement in 2021, coinciding with the commencement of the competition, with the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO).

This agreement facilitated closer coordination when attempting to remove match-fixing from the sport.

A key feature emerging from this coordination was the exchange of information received via FIFPRO’s Red Button whistleblowing app.

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