A new national task force is being established to proactively protect the integrity of major sporting events hosted in Australia from the threat of match-fixing.
Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) held a workshop in Melbourne this week, bringing together law enforcement agencies, regulators, betting operators, and international and national sporting bodies to strengthen coordination and intelligence-sharing efforts aimed at preventing corruption in sport.
The task force is being designed to allow key players in the competition manipulation and sports wagering space an opportunity to further refine roles and responsibilities when Australia is hosting international events, as it is a collective effort, across international borders, when protecting the integrity of sport.
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SIA’s Head of Strategy and International Policy, James Moller, said the task force will focus on prevention, deterrence and disruption initiatives across the many major events hosted in Australia in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, starting with the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which Australia will host in March 2026.
“While there is no specific intelligence indicating threats to the Women's Asian Cup, this task force is about staying ahead of the game – being proactive, vigilant and united in our approach,” Mr Moller said.
It is a priority for SIA to raise awareness of competition manipulation and build capability to prepare for and protect against associated integrity threats, including potential criminal influence through match-fixing.
“The message we are sending is clear: match-fixing is a serious criminal offence in Australia, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement and other key stakeholders, to ensure it is prevented from occurring in the first place or investigated and prosecuted accordingly.”
The task force will support future working groups tailored to individual events, ensuring that each major competition benefits from targeted integrity measures. These may include briefings, workshops, and international collaboration to share intelligence and build awareness.
Mr Moller emphasised the importance of outreach, particularly for international tournaments.
“Athletes, coaches and officials will be arriving from countries with varying levels of awareness around match-fixing. Education is critical to ensure everyone understands Australia’s zero-tolerance stance,” he said.
This week’s meeting also reinforced the value of working with our overseas partners to address threats at the source and maintain the integrity of sport globally.
The task force will continue its work in the lead-up to major events, helping to ensure that Australia remains a safe and fair destination for world-class sport.