Finnish football authorities alongside independent betting monitors are investigating potential match-fixing linked to a recent derby in Helsinki.
The inquiry was initiated after Atlantis FC triumphed over HIFK Football with a score of 5-3, coming back from a 3-1 deficit at halftime.
Reports from Hufvudstadsbladet indicate that the Finnish Football Association (Bollförbundet) has received multiple alerts from international betting surveillance companies regarding unusual wagering patterns tied to this match, which was attended by around 1,000 fans.
Kaj Björkqvist, acting as the Association’s integrity officer, confirmed that several official sources reported potential indicators of match manipulation. "Right now we are investigating the suspicions," he stated.
Concerns particularly surround the early twenty minutes of the match, during which HIFK scored three swift goals, prompting scrutiny. Media outlets have shared video footage showcasing a series of atypical errors by Atlantis players, including a goalkeeper mishandling the ball in his penalty area and a defender appearing to disengage from active play, resulting in an unchallenged goal.
A subsequent goal followed what seemed to be a mishandled clearance. While these incidents do not definitively prove wrongdoing, betting firms monitoring market fluctuations indicated awkward odds shifts suggesting some match events may have been anticipated by bettors.
The Finnish Football Association’s formal suspicions seem to focus solely on Atlantis, sparing HIFK from any direct allegations.
Markku Ritala, Atlantis General Manager, expressed disappointment over the alerts, labeling them “very sad,” and admitted to briefly considering whether the goalkeeper's blunder was intentional. However, he ultimately dismissed that idea once the team rallied to clinch the victory.
Joona Haavisto, security chief and team manager for HIFK, endorsed the Finnish Football Association's investigation, describing match-fixing as “football’s cancer” and calling for united efforts to root out those who manipulate match outcomes.
Last year, the Association banned 80 players linked to a betting scandal, although an investigation found no evidence of match-fixing within the Finnish sport. The inquiry delved into insider trading regarding two matches and violations of a betting ban prohibiting players, coaches, and team staff from wagering on games in the top-tier F-Liiga.
Furthermore, Veikkaus announced a suspension of bets on elite men's floorball in Finland due to identified violations of betting rules.
Francesco Baranca, an Italian analyst, criticized Finland’s integrity system, describing it as “a disgrace.” He expressed concern that while betting access has increased, protective measures have not been adequately enhanced.
Baranca noted that real-time monitoring showcases ongoing manipulation within Finnish football, despite the exposure from last year's high-profile scandals. "The big problem is that nothing has changed despite last year’s scandal," he remarked, referencing the expulsion of FC Finnkurd from the league on match-fixing allegations. He emphasized that the wide availability of betting markets for lower-tier Finnish matches, coupled with numerous betting options, has fostered an environment conducive to match manipulation.
