Sweden’s Spelinspektionen Leader Takes Helm of Anti-Match-Fixing Group in Copenhagen
Spelinspektionen’s Match-Fixing Coordinator Leading Group of Copenhagen
Sweden’s gambling oversight authority, Spelinspektionen, has announced a significant leadership update. Samuel Wahlberg, a seasoned expert in combating match-fixing, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Group of Copenhagen, an international coalition dedicated to fighting the manipulation of sports results.
Wahlberg’s New Role and Vision
With extensive experience in tackling match-fixing, Wahlberg’s election as chair strengthens the Group of Copenhagen’s efforts to prevent corruption in professional sports. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and outlined plans to advance the goals of the Macolin Convention. His strategy includes promoting the establishment of additional national platforms aimed at combating match-fixing and expanding the convention’s influence across more countries.
Support from Swedish Gambling Authority Leadership
Johan Röhr, the deputy director of Spelinspektionen, highlighted the positive impact of Wahlberg’s appointment. He noted that this development presents excellent opportunities to enhance and deepen international collaboration against sports fraud, benefiting Sweden and the wider community.
The Group of Copenhagen and the Macolin Convention
The Group of Copenhagen brings together national anti-match-fixing initiatives from around the world. Their latest assembly included representatives from 31 nations, emphasizing the global commitment to this cause. The group also functions as the monitoring body for the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, commonly known as the Macolin Convention.
The Macolin Convention stands as the sole international legal agreement targeting match-fixing in professional sports. Its primary aim is to foster cooperation among countries and authorities to collectively combat the manipulation of sporting events.
Sweden’s Commitment to Fighting Sports Manipulation
Since signing the Macolin Convention in 2024, Sweden has reinforced its dedication to protecting its sports industry from fraud and financial crime. The convention has been instrumental in supporting the country’s measures against match-fixing, ensuring greater integrity in its professional sports competitions.
