Match fixing or mass hysteria in Brazil?

Football is one of Brazil's main attractions. The national team, known for its bright yellow shirts, has become legendary thanks to the likes of Pele and Ronaldo, and has won five World Cups. However, Brazilian football has recently found itself at the centre of a scandal.

Botafogo owner John Thexton has accused Sao Paulo players of match-fixing, claiming to have evidence of bribery in their 5-0 loss to Palmeiras. He also claimed to have a recording of the referee taking a bribe.

The allegations have caused an uproar. Senator Jorge Kajuru has demanded that the federal police summon Thexton within 24 hours, threatening to arrest him if evidence is not provided.

The match-fixing controversy coincides with the launch of a legal betting market in Brazil, raising serious concerns among regulators and stakeholders. With betting volumes estimated to reach $34 billion by 2028 and tax revenues estimated at $2.3 billion in 2025, the situation around manipulation is particularly alarming.

A 2016 study found that 82% of players earn less than R$1,000 per month, making them vulnerable to bribery. Experts believe that low salaries and economic instability at clubs contribute to the tendency to manipulate. Educating players and referees about the risks is a key step in combating the problem.

While Brazil has the third highest number of suspicious cases in 2023, it is important to note that other countries such as the UK and the Czech Republic also face this problem. However, Brazil’s large football infrastructure and historical lack of betting regulation have left the country vulnerable to manipulation.

The creation of a parliamentary commission of inquiry into sports betting (CPI) is an important step. Senator Jorge Cajuru believes that the commission will work with the executive to combat manipulation. However, a comprehensive strategy involving federations, clubs and society is needed to successfully combat the problem.

Technology and data play an important role in ensuring the integrity of sports. For example, Sportradar uses AI to analyze bets and identify suspicious activity. Player and coach education is also an important component in the fight against match-fixing.

Despite the severity of the problem, there is hope that Brazil is moving in the right direction. In the first half of 2024, the number of cases of manipulation decreased by 60% compared to the same period last year. The joint efforts of various organizations and the introduction of new technologies can help to preserve the integrity of football in Brazil and ensure a successful future for the betting market.