Finnish football authorities and independent betting monitors have launched an investigation into potential match-fixing following a Helsinki derby.
The investigation was triggered by Atlantis FC winning 5-3 against HIFK Football after trailing 3-1 at half-time.
As reported by Hufvudstadsbladet, the Finnish Football Association (Bollförbundet) confirmed receipt of multiple alerts from international betting surveillance companies regarding unusual wagering activity linked to the match, which took place in front of approximately 1,000 spectators.
Kaj Björkqvist, the Association’s integrity officer, said several official sources had received information that may indicate match-fixing.
“Right now we are investigating the suspicions,” he said.
Particular concern surrounded the opening twenty minutes during which HIFK scored three quick goals amid sequences attracting scrutiny.
Media-shared video clips highlight a series of uncharacteristic errors by Atlantis players, including a goalkeeper appearing to mishandle the ball inside his own penalty area and a defender seemingly disengaging from play that allowed an open-goal finish.
Another goal followed what seemed to be a failed clearance.
While these instances alone do not constitute proof of wrongdoing, betting firms monitoring market activity flagged irregular odds movements that suggested some match events may have been anticipated by bettors.
Focus on Atlantis
All formal suspicion, based on statements from the Finnish Football Association, is directed at Atlantis rather than HIFK.
Atlantis general manager Markku Ritala described the alerts as “very sad” and admitted to briefly questioning whether the goalkeeper’s early error had been deliberate. He stated however that this notion was dismissed as the team recovered to secure the win.
Joona Haavisto, HIFK’s security chief and team manager, endorsed the Finnish Football Association’s probe.
He referred to match-fixing as “football’s cancer” and urged collective efforts to eliminate individuals manipulating match outcomes.
Finnish integrity system is a ‘disgrace’
Last year, the Association banned 80 players over their part in a suspicious betting scandal, although an investigation into the matter ruled out match-fixing within the sport in Finland.
The investigation focused on insider trading on two matches, as well as violations of a betting ban, where players, coaches and team staff are prohibited from betting on games in the country’s top-tier F-Liiga.
In addition, Veikkaus announced it would halt bets on elite men’s floorball in Finland following the discovery of betting rule violations.
Baranca described Finland’s integrity system as “a disgrace”. He also lamented that increased betting access has not been matched by strengthened protective measures.
‘Nothing has changed despite last year’s scandal’
Italian analyst Francesco Baranca asserted that real-time monitoring indicated continued manipulation within Finnish football despite high-profile scandals last year.
“The big problem is that nothing has changed despite last year’s scandal,” he said, referring to the expulsion of FC Finnkurd from the league on match-fixing grounds.
Baranca pointed out that broad betting market availability for lower-tier Finnish matches, combined with numerous betting options, had created a conducive environment for match manipulators.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/match-fixing-helsinki-derby-sparks-investigation/
