Sweden to Ratify Macolin Convention, Strengthening Fight Against Match-Fixing
Sweden Joins Global Effort to Combat Sports Manipulation
The Swedish government has confirmed it will officially ratify the Macolin Convention, the Council of Europe’s legal framework for addressing sports manipulation. This move positions Sweden as the thirteenth European Union member state to adopt the Convention.
First announced in October 2022, Sweden’s commitment to the treaty follows strong backing from senior government officials. Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed highlighted the increasing threat of match-fixing and the need for international collaboration. “By joining the Macolin Convention, Sweden gains access to deeper international cooperation and information exchange,” he said.
The Convention outlines strategies for governments, sports organizations, and betting operators to prevent, detect, and penalize sports manipulation. Countries like Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain have already ratified it, alongside three non-European Union nations: Australia, Morocco, and Russia.
Macolin Convention: A Global Effort Against Sports Manipulation
Negotiated in 2014, the Macolin Convention is the only international treaty focused on combating match-fixing. However, it faced delays, with ratification only reaching the necessary six signatories by 2019. Resistance from some countries, notably Malta, slowed progress.
Malta’s opposition stems from the Convention’s definition of illegal sports betting, which could restrict its offshore gambling operators. Despite this, recent developments suggest Malta may reconsider its stance, with steps being taken to align its framework with the treaty’s provisions.
Strengthening Sweden’s Gambling Market and Sports Integrity
Sweden’s Financial Market Minister Niklas Wykman emphasized the importance of order in the national gambling market. “This decision allows us to combat crime effectively and ensure a secure environment for players,” he noted.
The Macolin Convention provides tools for cross-border cooperation, empowering nations to address the growing challenges of sports manipulation in a globally interconnected betting market. By ratifying the treaty, Sweden aligns itself with a collective effort to safeguard the integrity of sports.
