A few days ago, Sweden decided to ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, also known as the Macolin Convention. This marked an important step in the development of the Swedish regulated market, highlighting the country’s commitment to the integrity of sports competitions.

Sweden Accedes to the Convention

The government submitted the proposal to join the Macolin Convention earlier this year in a move that was applauded by the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS). The association praised the opportunity to double down on anti-match-fixing and ensure the integrity of sports.

For context, the convention seeks to encourage collaboration between governments, regulators, sports organizations and sportsbooks, creating a robust framework to oppose the manipulation of sporting events.

The Macolin Convention was introduced in 2014 and is the only legal framework to address match-fixing. Sweden will notably be the 11^th EU country to accede to the convention. Other countries that have signed the agreement include Belgium, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine. Australia, Morocco and Russia.

Many Approved the Ratification

Sweden quickly approved the proposal to join the convention, much to the delight of its supporters. Jakob Forssmed, Sweden’s Minister for Health and Social Affairs praised the opportunity to participate in a cross-border stand against the manipulation of sporting events.

He noted that Sweden would be able to work alongside an international community of countries united in the war on match-fixing and exchange crucial information regarding suspicious activities.

Niklas Wykman, Sweden’s Minister for Financial Markets, was likewise pleased, hailing the accedence to the Macolin Convention. According to him, this will empower the government with more opportunities to stop illicit activities and protect sports from fraud.

BOS Asked for Changes

Earlier, the BOS lauded the proposed accedence to the convention and the government’s desire to oppose match-fixing. However, the online gambling organization pointed out the fact that the convention usually gives full access to the Group of Copenhagen and its Follow-up Committee to state operators, even if private companies hold a larger market share.

Because of that, the association emphasized that private and listed gambling companies should also be able to access the bodies within the Council of Europe. This would allow commercial companies to join forces with governments and the sports sector to crack down on fraud.