The United Soccer League has strengthened its commitment to integrity, announcing an official integrity services partnership with Sportradar.
As part of the deal, Sportradar will be monitoring and analysing USL competitions via its award-winning fraud detection system and providing the USL with educational solutions, as well as access to its intelligence and investigations services.
In addition, Sportradar will utilise its vast global integrity expertise to carry out a comprehensive integrity audit for USL to assist the league in installing an effective and comprehensive integrity program.
USL Senior Vice President Lizzie Seedhouse commented: “There is nothing more important than protecting the overall integrity of our League. We have to stay vigilant in the ways we protect our players and teams, and in the ever-changing landscape of sports betting in the United States, education for all those with access to influence the game is paramount.”
Core to the educational component, USL competition players, match officials and team staff will have access to educational solutions in English and Spanish on the nature and risks of match-fixing and sports manipulation. The various education sessions will also educate USL stakeholders on relevant policies related to betting and game manipulation, and the risks and consequences of involvement with match-fixing or other betting-related rules violations, among other topics.
Andy Cunningham, Director, Global Strategy of Integrity Services at Sportradar added: “We are honored and excited to partner with USL and look forward to supporting them in installing a best-in-class integrity program. They have shown a strong commitment to upholding the integrity of their competitions and protecting their stakeholders.”
In addition to providing integrity services for USL, Sportradar will also be licensing USL Championship matches – with an option to add on League One matches as well – for its global audio/visual sports betting business. An industry leader, Sportradar has recently signed sport betting related partnerships with other prominent sports leagues.
