The Chamber of Deputies in Mexico has initiated the legislative process to address match-fixing and fraud associated with sports betting, proposing prison sentences of up to 10 years. This proposal has been forwarded to the Justice Commission for further evaluation.
This bill is part of a comprehensive reform package introduced in February by federal deputy Marcelo Torres Cofiño, representing the National Action Party (PAN).
The proposed legislation aims to establish a new section in the Federal Penal Code that focuses on safeguarding the integrity of professional sports. It outlines specific penalties for individuals who manipulate match results, statistics, or the progression of a game for financial gain.
Under this initiative, offenders could face prison terms ranging from four to ten years, alongside hefty fines and potential disqualification from sports organizations.
The bill also targets those who exploit insider information for betting, offer bribes to players, referees, or officials, and use clubs as a means to launder money from illicit betting activities. Penalties would be heightened if team owners or executives are implicated, or if the fraudulent activities occur during major tournaments or through licensed betting platforms.
Deputy Cofiño emphasized that this initiative is a response to rising concerns regarding the encroachment of financial interests in sports, particularly through betting, which threatens both fan trust and the integrity of competitions.
“Football should not be treated as a financial tool without established regulations. When club operators have vested interests in betting, it undermines fan trust and the ethical standards of sports. Mexico must take action before scandals become rampant,” he stated.