Yellow card epidemic in Chile triggers match-fixing investigation

Garance Limouzy July 8, 2024

In Chile, during the National First Division Championship, an astonishing 764 yellow cards were issued in just 119 football matches. This unusually high number has raised suspicions within the sport commission of the Chamber of Deputies. Following the disclosure by the 24 Horas news program, an investigation has been launched to ensure that matches were not manipulated.

Ensuring Fairness

Chile has implemented the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system to ensure match fairness. The VAR assists referees by reviewing decisions using video footage and providing advice based on those reviews in cases such as goal uncertainty, penalty incidents, red card decisions, and cases of mistaken identity. However, yellow cards are not subject to VAR review, making them potentially vulnerable to manipulation by referees seeking to influence match outcomes.

The significant increase in yellow cards often serves as a warning signal for operators, prompting them to implement measures to detect suspicious patterns among users of their platforms.

“We are going to request the intervention of the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the role that referees may be playing, particularly in the issuance of yellow cards, and whether there could be influences from betting activities,” stated Deputy Daniel Manouchehri.

Match Fixing and iGaming

The issue of match fixing and illegal gambling is closely intertwined. At a UN anti-corruption conference, illegal betting was identified as the primary factor fuelling corruption in sports.

In Chile, Land-based and online betting are operated via a state monopoly. Any other operator is illegal.

Deputy Jorge Guzman remarked, “Currently, only the Polla Chilena de Beneficencia and the Lotería de Concepción have legal recognition in Chile. Therefore, all other online betting houses operate illegally. This investigation reveals the potential for referees to be influenced due to the betting activity surrounding illegal online bookmakers.”