Finnish football authorities, in conjunction with independent betting monitors, are investigating potential match-fixing following a dramatic Helsinki derby. The match, held recently, saw Atlantis FC clinch a 5-3 victory over HIFK Football, despite being down 3-1 at halftime.
The Finnish Football Association (Bollförbundet) confirmed they had received multiple alerts from international betting surveillance companies, indicating unusual wagering activities related to the match, which drew around 1,000 spectators, as reported by Hufvudstadsbladet.
Kaj Björkqvist, the integrity officer with the association, noted that various official sources have provided information suggesting possible match-fixing. “Right now we are investigating the suspicions,” he stated.
Concerns primarily focused on the opening twenty minutes, during which HIFK managed to score three quick goals under suspicious circumstances. Video clips circulating in the media reveal a series of unusual mistakes made by Atlantis players, including a goalkeeper failing to secure a straightforward catch in his penalty area, and a defender seemingly disconnecting from play to allow an unimpeded goal.
An additional goal arose after what appeared to be a botched clearance. While these discrepancies do not alone serve as proof of foul play, betting firms monitoring the event reported irregularities in odds that hinted at some outcomes being anticipated by bettors.
The Finnish Football Association has formally directed its suspicions primarily towards Atlantis rather than HIFK. Atlantis’s general manager, Markku Ritala, expressed his sadness regarding the alerts and admitted to briefly questioning the integrity of the goalkeeper’s early error, although he later dismissed such notions after the team rebounded to win the match.
HIFK’s security chief and team manager, Joona Haavisto, supported the probe initiated by the Finnish Football Association, referring to match-fixing as “football’s cancer” and calling for a united front against those involved in manipulating game results.
Last year, the Football Association banned 80 players involved in a suspicious betting scandal; however, an investigation subsequently determined that match-fixing did not occur in the sport in Finland. This inquiry focused on insider trading related to two matches and breaches of a betting prohibition that applies to players, coaches, and team staff in the top-tier F-Liiga.
Furthermore, Veikkaus announced it would cease accepting bets on elite men’s floorball in Finland upon uncovering violations of betting regulations. Analyst Francesco Baranca has remarked that Finland’s integrity system is “a disgrace,” citing that the expansion of betting access has not been complemented by adequate protective measures.
Baranca pointed out that despite previous high-profile scandals, including the expulsion of FC Finnkurd from the league due to match-fixing, ongoing manipulation in Finnish football persists. “The big problem is that nothing has changed despite last year’s scandal,” he said, emphasizing that the widespread availability of betting on lower-tier matches creates a favorable environment for match fixers.
