Malta Gaming Authority inks data-sharing deal with Swedish Football Association

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has signed a data-sharing agreement with the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) to target match-fixing in Swedish sport.

Under the agreement, the two bodies will share data on Swedish football matches and sports betting patterns to facilitate high-level investigations into corruption.

Industry best practice points will also be shared, with the aim of reducing repeated incidents of suspicious betting patterns via Malta-licensed firms.

The MGA has inked similar agreements with several high-profile sporting bodies including the Malta Football Association, the Tennis Integrity Unit, the International Cricket Council and the International Olympic Committee.

MGA sports integrity manager Antonio Zerafa said this new agreement would strengthen existing efforts to stop suspicious bets being processed by Malta-licensed firms.

“The data-sharing agreement between the MGA and the SvFF allows for the relationship between the two entities to not be limited to discussions of best practices only, but to also allow for the transfer of data in relation to investigations of manipulation in sports competitions,” Zerafa said.

The issue of corruption within Swedish football has come under significant scrutiny over the last few months, with SvFF matches being targeted by criminal groups placing suspicious bets.

In response, the Swedish Gambling Authority has proposed new measures restricting available betting markets including banning bets on penalties and cards being shown to players.

In its most recent revision of proposals, the SGA has also proposed limiting sports betting to teams and matches in the top four divisions only.