BETTING data providers Sportsradar could be engaged to detect match-fixing activities in the M-League next year.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) general-secretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin confirmed that Sportsradar will propose a deal soon.
“Nothing is finalised yet. Our vetting, monitoring and integrity committee had a fruitful meeting with Sportsradar last year.
“The only hiccup is the fee of US$50 (RM450) for each match, which we feel is too expensive,” said Hamidin yesterday.
“We are open to anyone with an effective method to monitor corruption in the M-League.
“Sportsradar is currently working with several FAs in Asia.”
Hamidin, however, declined to disclose whether match-fixing was widespread this season.
“It is a global problem... it does not only happen in some countries,” said Hamidin.
Currently, FAM works closely with the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency to monitor match-fixing.
The Swiss-based Sportsradar, which was set-up in 2004, provides the Fraud Detection System (FDS) to monitor betting-related manipulation.
It is currently working with member countries of UEFA, the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football and the FAs of Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Australia.
“Sportsradar was introduced to us last year when it signed a two-year deal with the Asian Football Confederation.”
AFC members have long battled match-fixing issues with China, South Korea, Lebanon, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore among countries to have been hit by the problem.
The biggest scandal in the M-League in recent times was recorded last year when the Kuala Lumpur team were charged for match-fixing.
FAM’s disciplinary committee subsequently imposed life bans on five players and three team officials and later fined 17 others RM5,000 each for accepting bribes under duress.