Sweden Moves to Join Macolin Convention

Sweden is making strides to bolster its stance on sports integrity with a proposal to sign the Macolin Convention, an international treaty aimed at combatting match-fixing in sports. As Sweden’s government brings this proposal to the table, the country signals its commitment to align with other European nations fighting corruption in sports, ensuring fair play and safeguarding the credibility of the betting industry.

Sweden to Sign Macolin Convention, Strengthening Anti-Corruption in Sports

The Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has introduced a bill advocating for Sweden’s participation in the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention. Officially known as the “Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions,” this landmark treaty, first adopted in 2014, represents the first international effort to standardize responses to match-fixing. By joining the convention, Sweden aims to strengthen its legislative framework to address sports corruption, promote cross-border cooperation, and protect sports integrity.

Key Points:

• Sweden proposes joining the Macolin Convention to combat match-fixing and align with European standards.
• BOS (Industry Association for Online Gambling in Sweden) supports the move but calls for the inclusion of private gaming operators in decision-making.
• The Macolin Convention facilitates information sharing, collaboration, and coordinated investigations among member states to tackle corruption in sports.

The Ministry views the convention as instrumental in synchronizing Sweden’s anti-corruption policies with those of European neighbors, especially in light of increased match-fixing concerns and the growing influence of sports betting.

The Role of Private Gaming Companies in Combating Match-Fixing

Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of BOS, has voiced support for Sweden’s proposed entry into the Macolin Convention, urging the government to push for the inclusion of private betting companies within the convention’s collaborative framework. Hoffstedt points out that private and publicly listed companies constitute the majority of sports betting transactions across Europe. However, current policies within the Group of Copenhagen—the convention’s primary body for coordination and information-sharing—limit full participation to state-owned entities, excluding key stakeholders in the private sector.

The BOS argues that incorporating private gaming companies would provide a holistic approach to tackling match-fixing, bringing a diverse range of resources and expertise to the table. Such inclusion, according to Hoffstedt, would enable a broader and more effective collective effort to curb match-fixing and enhance sports integrity across Europe.

How the Macolin Convention Protects Sports Integrity

Originally conceived in Macolin, Switzerland, the convention was a response to rising concerns over match-fixing in the early 2010s. Through this international agreement, Council of Europe members commit to harmonizing anti-corruption efforts and sharing resources to combat manipulation in sports. Key objectives of the convention include:

• Legislative alignment: Establishing unified definitions and criminalizing acts of match-fixing.
• Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between government authorities, sports organizations, and betting operators.
• Information exchange: Creating national contact points and fostering dialogue through the Group of Copenhagen.

The Group of Copenhagen coordinates anti-corruption initiatives across member states, supported by its Follow-up Committee, which monitors each country’s progress in implementing the convention’s goals. This structure enables rapid information-sharing and coordinated investigations, crucial for identifying and addressing cross-border match-fixing operations.

Currently, however, private betting companies remain outside these circles, leading to criticism from industry stakeholders who argue that their exclusion undermines the effectiveness of the convention’s goals.

Slow Progress and Expanding Membership

The Macolin Convention has been gradually gaining momentum among European countries, with Spain recently becoming the 12th nation to ratify the agreement. This slow adoption highlights both the complexity of cross-border cooperation and the growing recognition of match-fixing as a serious threat to sports and the betting industry. As online betting continues to expand, the risk of manipulation also rises, making coordinated international efforts essential.

Member states of the Council of Europe are expected to benefit from the convention’s protocols for coordinated action, allowing for more efficient data sharing and improved collaboration on investigations. For Sweden, joining the Macolin Convention presents an opportunity to lead by example, advocating for inclusive measures that address the influence of private gaming operators and create a comprehensive approach to protecting sports integrity.

Sweden’s proposal to join the Macolin Convention marks a significant commitment to strengthening sports integrity and fighting match-fixing on an international scale. With calls from BOS to include private gaming operators in these efforts, Sweden could set a precedent for a more inclusive approach within the convention. As Sweden moves closer to ratification, it stands poised to advocate for comprehensive reforms that integrate all sectors of the betting industry in the fight against sports corruption.