The future of sports depends on integrity education
The sports betting market has grown impressively in Brazil. Football — the nation’s passion — has become even more connected to this industry and, alongside opportunities, serious risks have emerged. Match-fixing is no longer a distant problem; it has become a real threat.
The ones most affected are the athletes. Many, still young and without financial or emotional preparation, are exposed to external pressures and become prime targets for those seeking to corrupt the game. That’s why education in integrity is not a detail — it’s a priority. Without it, there’s no sustainable future for sports.
Prevention starts with education
When people talk about integrity, the conversation usually revolves around punishment and investigation. These are important stages, but they are not enough. The fight must begin earlier, with prevention — and prevention only exists through education.
That’s the focus of Sportradar’s work. We go into clubs, talk with players and coaching staff, present real-life cases, and explain in practical terms how to respond to suspicious approaches.
In recent months, this initiative has gained strength and expanded across the country. We have conducted integrity workshops with male, female, and under-20 football players, in partnership with sports betting companies that sponsor the clubs. Participants have included América-RJ, Bangu, Ceará, Corinthians, Criciúma, CRB, CSA, Grêmio, Internacional, Juventude, Mirassol, Náutico, São Paulo, and Vitória.
The work also extends to Sportradar’s educational project with CONMEBOL, which promotes the topic of integrity across the ten member associations in South America. In Brazil, the latest edition took place in October at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) headquarters, bringing together authorities, athletes, and referees.
Beyond football
Integrity education has already reached other sports. In partnership with the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV), we met with all beach volleyball athletes during the Brasília stage. In eSports, we trained the Vivo Keyd team.
We also expanded our focus to other key figures: we held exclusive workshops for referees in Minas Gerais and launched an online platform with southern football federations, broadening access to the content. The Paraná Football Federation, for instance, has already trained over 5,000 people in 2025.
Partnerships that make a difference
No one wins this battle alone. Partnerships with the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Finance, Federal Police, Public Prosecutor’s Office of Goiás, CBF, and CBV have been decisive. We combine technology, practical experience, and institutional legitimacy to monitor competitions and act quickly.
The results are tangible: in 2024, Brazil recorded 48% fewer suspicious matches than in 2023 — a clear sign that the joint effort is working.
Focus on people
In the end, it all comes down to people — boys and girls who dream of making a living from sports but are often unprepared to handle external pressures. They must be at the center of all actions.
If we want a clean and trustworthy sport, we must provide these young athletes with information, safety, and a voice. Integrity education is not a cost — it’s an investment in the future of athletes, in the credibility of competitions, and in the trust of fans.
Building a strong culture of integrity is a long-term process, but it’s essential for the responsible growth of the betting market in Brazil — and for ensuring that sport remains a source of pride and passion
Felippe Marchetti
Integrity Director at Sportradar for Latin America. Ph.D. in Integrity and Anti-Corruption Measures in Sports.
