In a landmark decision, French lawmakers have classified match-fixing as a form of organised crime, elevating the offence to the same level as serious crimes, such as drug trafficking and money laundering. This is one of the strictest steps yet taken by a member of the European Union to combat corruption in sports.
France Introduces New Law to Crack Down on Match-Fixing: Quick Overview
- The new law brings match-fixing under the jurisdiction of the specialised interregional courts (JIRS), enabling authorities to try offenders at par with those involved in organised crimes.
- Investigators can now use covert surveillance measures, run undercover operations, and request extended detention to trace money trails and communication associated with suspicious activities.
- The law covers active and passive bribery in sports and horse racing events where betting is regulated. Those found guilty of match-fixing can face up to 10 years in prison and up to €1 million in penalties.
France Leads Charge Against Sports Corruption in Europe
The French government has officially classified match-fixing in sports as a serious crime. Lawmakers amended the bill aimed at combating drug trafficking to include match-fixing in the Code of Criminal Procedure. This elevates match-fixing to the same level as that of organised crime, such as money laundering and drug trafficking.
The amendment was added in January 2025, and the draft law gained the Senate’s approval on June 13. Moving forward, all cases related to match-fixing offences will be handled by specialised interregional courts (JIRS) that deal with serious criminal offences related to financial fraud and drug trafficking.
This move is part of the government’s broader efforts to preserve the integrity of sports in the country and target criminal enterprises behind drug trafficking and financial fraud. Classifying match-fixing as organised crime gives law enforcement agencies access to specialised tools exclusively reserved for tackling major crimes.
Investigators can now use covert surveillance measures, including wiretapping and hidden microphones, launch undercover operations, and request additional detention periods for match-fixing offenders. These tools are exclusively reserved for authorities investigating organised crime, such as money laundering and human or drug trafficking.
The penalties for those found guilty include a jail sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to €1 million. The amendment will help lawmakers tackle the systemic corruption in sports and dismantle the complex networks that often operate behind the curtain. The legislation applies to all stakeholders in the French sports and regulated betting sectors, including athletes, coaches, operators, officials, fixers, and all other concerned parties.
New Legislation to Boost the ANJ’s Efforts
The National Gaming Authority (ANJ), France’s national gambling regulator, is at the forefront of the country’s efforts to protect the integrity of betting and sports competitions. The new law will enable the ANJ to make the transition from issuing administrative warnings.
It can actively collaborate with law enforcement agencies in tracking and dismantling match-fixing rings. The ANJ already has the authority to limit or suspend sporting events if it detects suspicious activities. The new legislation provides the regulator with a clearer legal basis to intervene swiftly and prevent biased wagers from harming consumers.
Match-fixing often extends beyond international borders. By classifying match-fixing as organised crime, French lawmakers have simplified the path to international collaboration. It has also made it convenient for the ANJ to provide intel and collaborate with international law enforcement agencies.
The new legislation strengthens the overall sports infrastructure in France. The country is sending a clear message that sports integrity is a national priority, and those scheming to profit from it maliciously will be dealt with as criminals. The ANJ will play a pivotal role in this framework in the coming days.
France is the fourth-largest gambling market in Europe, with the annual Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) exceeding €14 billion in 2024. Online sports betting accounts for 43% of the overall market share. This makes the ANJ one of the key stakeholders of the country’s sports landscape.