Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Catherine Cortez Masto have raised concerns with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) about the increasing risk of match-fixing in the United States, especially as the country prepares to host major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. In a letter addressed to DOJ Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri, they highlighted potential connections between match-fixing and organized crime.

The senators expressed that match-fixing poses significant threats beyond just sports integrity, often linking it to serious crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and terrorism. They emphasized the need for American law enforcement to be fully equipped to combat these issues.

“We write to you today to express our unease at the growing risk of match-fixing in the United States and its potential ties to organized crime around the world,” stated Blackburn and Cortez Masto in their letter. They stressed that with upcoming global events on U.S. soil, it's crucial for law enforcement agencies to have all necessary tools available.

The letter further detailed how organized crime has become more sophisticated in manipulating sporting events. It pointed out that illegal sports betting markets are increasingly used by criminals for money laundering purposes. “Organized crime has long manipulated sporting events, and their efforts are only getting more sophisticated," they noted.

The senators also referenced international examples where legislative bodies have made match-fixing a specific criminal act, urging similar actions within the United States to safeguard athletes and maintain fair play standards.

“When similar concerns were raised in countries around the world, their legislative bodies acted to make match-fixing a specific criminal act,” they mentioned, calling for decisive action against transnational criminals exploiting vulnerable athletes.

For further details on this issue, readers can access the full text of Blackburn and Cortez Masto's letter online.