Stats Perform adds Opta data to integrity analysis arm
Data giant to monitor expected goals as it ramps up battle against match-fixing in sport
Stats Perform is now using data from its Opta brand to bolster integrity analysis and support its fight against match-fixing.
The firm will use performance analysis, which includes video, to help investigations into suspicious matches.
Performance analysis includes metrics such as expected goals (xG), which is formulated based on historical team and individual data, to predict a team’s attacking potency.
The addition of performance analytics to Stats Perform’s integrity arm has already been tapped by the Council of Europe and other sporting federations.
One investigation has already flagged a high-risk fixture, with one team demonstrating a lack of attacking intent, corroborated by a historically low xG reading.
Other investigations have noted individual errors aligned with suspicious patterns in betting markets.
Jake Marsh, Stats Perform global head of integrity, said: “As with every element of sport integrity, success is built on a unified combination of measures across prevention, detection and investigation.
“Sport governing bodies have been calling for professional performance analysis to support the fight against match-fixing and we have answered that call. This is an additional tool and deterrent in the fight against sporting corruption, and a new front in maintaining the integrity of sport,” he added.