Sweden becomes latest EU member of the Macolin Convention

Sweden has taken the decision to officially join the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention against match-fixing.

Adopted in 2014, the convention deploys measures to combat the manipulation of results in sports through international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge about suspected bad actors. It is the only international legal framework against sports match-fixing.

Since its introduction, it has been ratified by eight European member states, now including Sweden, and has been signed by 32 other European countries – in addition to Australia and Morocco. 

Financial Markets Minister Niklas Wykman said: “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.”

Sweden’s Ministry of Social Affairs previously concluded in its assessment that all requirements have been met to proceed with an accession to the convention. 

The Ministry’s conclusion suggested that there is no need for any constitutional amendments, and therefore no additional approval from Riksdag, to move on with ratifying the policy. 

The proposal was later supported by the country’s gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, earlier in November. 

Swedish Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed added: “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.”