Expert: Covid proves to be ‘El Dorado’ for matchfixers, including eSports

A file photo of supporters cheering during the final eSports match of the PGL Counter-Strike Major event in Stockholm. The Covid-19 pandemic has been an ‘El Dorado’ for match fixers due to the negative impact the virus has had on the finances of individual sports, an executive at one of the world’s leading sports technology companies has told AFP. — AFP

PARIS: The Covid-19 pandemic has been an “El Dorado” for match fixers due to the negative impact the virus has had on the finances of individual sports, a leading sports technology company has told AFP.

Sportradar Integrity Services, which works with over 100 sports federations and leagues, detected 903 suspicious matches in 2021 – the highest number recorded in the company’s 17-year history.