Sweden Joins Macolin Convention to Combat Match-Fixing
Sweden has officially ratified the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention, taking a decisive step in addressing match-fixing in sports.
Sweden Strengthens Its Stance Against Match-Fixing
Sweden becomes the eighth European country to ratify the Macolin Convention, joining a coalition of nations working to tackle the manipulation of sports results.
Since its adoption in 2014, the convention has also been signed by 32 other European nations, as well as Australia and Morocco, highlighting its global importance.
Legal Framework for Integrity in Sports
The Macolin Convention is the only international legal framework dedicated to fighting match-fixing.
It promotes collaboration between governments, sports organizations, and other stakeholders to address threats to the integrity of sports and gaming industries.
A Clear Commitment to Regulation
Sweden’s Minister of Financial Markets, Niklas Wykman, commented on the importance of this decision:
“There must be order in the Swedish gaming market. The decision today means that we can continue to suppress crime and create security for those who play. That’s good.”
A Smooth Path to Ratification
Sweden’s Ministry of Social Affairs assessed that all requirements for joining the convention were met without the need for constitutional amendments or parliamentary approval.
The decision was further backed by Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s Gambling Authority, earlier in November.
Strengthening International Cooperation
Jakob Forssmed, Sweden’s Minister of Social Affairs, highlighted the broader impact of this decision:
“Match-fixing is a serious and increasing threat in sports and is happening more and more often across national borders. By now joining the Macolin Convention, Sweden gets full access to deepen international cooperation and information exchange. This is a long-awaited and important step to counter match-fixing and strengthen integrity in sports.”
