The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) has introduced a new online course to raise awareness about match-fixing and its impact on sports integrity. The course, titled “Combating Match-Fixing: Together in Defence of Responsible Gaming,” was developed by the Brazilian Olympic Institute (IOB) and launched this week as part of the ongoing Safe Sport programme.
Free Online Course for Athletes and Sports Professionals
Designed to take about one hour to complete, the course is free for athletes, coaches, referees, and sports administrators. It covers key topics including the risks and consequences of match-fixing, ethical conduct in sport, and strategies to identify and prevent manipulation in competitions. Participants also learn broader principles of fair play and responsible gaming.
COB Emphasizes Education as a Strategy Against Match-Fixing
Sebastian Pereira, Executive Manager of Education and Development at COB, explained:
“The 2025 Safe Sport Forum is an important milestone to protect the integrity and values of sport against match-fixing. The main strategy to combat this global threat is information and awareness, and, in this sense, we are launching the new course to combat match-fixing.”
Pereira added that empowering sports professionals with knowledge transforms them into the first line of defence, helping to ensure fair and inspiring sport for future generations while aligning with Olympic values.
Part of a Broader Safe Sport Programme
The new course complements other IOB initiatives under the Safe Sport programme, such as:
- Preventing and Confronting Harassment and Abuse in Sport
- Ethical Conduct in Practice
- Anti-Racist Sport: Everyone Wins
These programs aim to foster a safe and ethical sports environment at all levels.
Integration with Citizen Whistle Platform
The launch coincides with the Apita Cidadão (Citizen Whistle) platform, a government-run anonymous reporting tool for suspected match-fixing and betting-related corruption. All reports are reviewed and investigated by law enforcement authorities, strengthening oversight and accountability in Brazilian sport.
Sports Betting Regulation Expands in Brazil
The educational initiative comes as Brazil continues refining sports betting regulations. In April, the Ministry of Sport broadened the scope of legal esports betting, allowing wagers on major titles such as Counter-Strike, Valorant, and Fortnite. These updates form part of ongoing adjustments to Law No. 14.790/2023, reflecting Brazil’s evolving approach to regulated sports gambling.
