In a recent interview, Thairo Arruda, CEO of Botafogo, stated that he intends to report to the Public Ministry alleged refereeing errors that would have favored other clubs in the 2023 Brazilian Championship. Furthermore, Thairo was emphatic in declaring that referees may, at some point, have been involved in some type of betting scheme.
"...there is another problem that we also observe with athletes, as we recently found out, which is ‘match fixing’. This issue of betting houses, a lot of people co-opted (associates). We cannot close our eyes and say that this is not the case. It happens with referees too. I highly doubt that a betting company, or people in the betting market, have never contacted referees for this," said Thairo Arruda, in an excerpt from the interview.
The betting market reacted to Botafogo’s CEO speech, reaffirming its commitment to the integrity of the processes. In an article for "Máquina do Esporte", Guilherme Buso, sports and betting leader at Genius Sports, highlighted some points of concern in the current Brazilian scenario (pre) betting regulation.
For him, Brazil is considered the sleeping giant in the world of sports betting. But unless fundamental steps are taken to combat the tide of match-fixing incidents, all this potential will never be unleashed.
Concern for the integrity of the sporting scene
There is growing concern regarding the integrity of the sporting scene in Brazil. In parallel, there is also a great complexity regarding the regulation of sports betting in the country and the prevalence of problems related to integrity in sports, with special emphasis on football.
Guilherme Buso argues that it is crucial to act immediately to protect the future of the regulated betting market in Brazil, highlighting the unique nature of sport as an activity that inspires and unites people on a global scale, with its unpredictability and fairness being key elements in maintaining its lasting appeal.
Risks of associations with manipulation
Another point mentioned by the expert highlights the risks associated with the manipulation of results, ranging from leagues and federations to sponsors, fans and commercial partners. The connection between rigged competitions and the loss of fan interest is highlighted as a direct consequence of the lack of attractiveness and competitiveness.
Consequences
The text also shows a comprehensive view of the personal and professional consequences for athletes, coaches and referees involved in manipulation schemes, as well as the heavy financial implications for bookmakers. The expert also highlights the impact on the Brazilian government's plans to legalize betting, stating that the continuous wave of integrity scandals threatens to make this market unviable.
What is the solution?
As a solution, Guilherme Buso highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to integrity led by the sport itself, encouraging cooperation between sport, bookmakers and regulators. The emphasis on the importance of fundamental measures to curb match-fixing is clear, highlighting that without decisive action, Brazil's potential as a sleeping giant in the world of sports betting will remain untapped.
Source: Lance
