COB Launches Online Course to Combat Match-Fixing

The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) has unveiled a new e-learning program designed to promote fair play and combat match-fixing across the country’s sports ecosystem. Named “Combating Match-Fixing: Together in Defense of Responsible Play”, the initiative was introduced during the 2nd Safe Sport Forum, reflecting COB’s ongoing commitment to ethical standards and integrity in sports.

Education as the Frontline Against Corruption
Developed alongside the Brazilian Olympic Institute (IOB), the program targets athletes, coaches, referees and sports administrators, equipping them with practical knowledge about the risks and consequences of match manipulation.

Sebastian Pereira, COB’s Executive Manager for Education and Development, emphasized the role of awareness in protecting sports integrity:

“Education and information are the most powerful tools we have to prevent manipulation. By giving the sports community the right knowledge, we can safeguard fair competition,” Pereira said.

The course covers both ethical and legal dimensions of match-fixing, teaching participants how to identify suspicious activity, report approaches and uphold Olympic values such as fairness, transparency and respect for the game.

Accessible and Structured Learning
The one-hour program is available for free online through IOB’s e-learning platform and provides a completion certificate. It is part of the broader Safe Sport Program, which also includes modules on:

• Preventing and Responding to Harassment and Abuse in Sport

• Anti-Racist Sport: Everyone Wins

• Practical Ethics in Sports Scenarios

• Promoting Gender Equality in Athletics

Pereira noted that education not only informs individuals but also strengthens the overall sports environment:

“By arming athletes, coaches, referees and administrators with knowledge, we build a proactive line of defense that protects the integrity of competitions and ensures a positive sporting culture for future generations.”

Responding to a Global Concern
Match-fixing continues to pose a serious challenge worldwide, threatening credibility, fair play and public confidence in sports. The COB course is part of a proactive approach to counter this threat in Brazil, aligning with international standards and best practices.

At the Safe Sport Forum, which gathered athletes, officials and integrity specialists, participants stressed the importance of early education in preventing misconduct:

“Match-fixing is a real risk for all sports professionals,” Pereira said. “Providing accessible education and raising awareness are essential first steps to protect competitions from manipulation.”

Through this initiative, COB aims to instill a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability across Brazilian sports, ensuring that athletes and officials alike are equipped to defend the principles of fair play at every level.