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Lack of governance of football friendly (non-competitive) matches exploited by match-fixers
Football friendly matches are wide open for match-fixing due to a lack of regulation according to new research, with more than 250 friendlies involving European clubs showing signs of suspicious activity during 2016-20. The results come from a three-year study funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme and led by the University of Nicosia Research Foundation.
A survey of 700 players in Cyprus, Greece and Malta conducted by the project also found that:
- More than a quarter of players (26.5%) had played in a club friendly they suspected had been manipulated.
- More than a quarter (26.3%) of approaches to fix a friendly match were made by club officials and 15% by other players.
- Club officials were the instigators in 19% of approaches to manipulate friendlies and were the main beneficiaries in 26.3% of approaches.
The research study found that international and national football federations have been slow to establish where responsibility lies for friendlies, particularly when clubs from different countries are involved in non-competitive matches played in a third country. Some European football federations do not track where clubs go on pre-season and mid-winter tours.
This lack of sporting governance and regulation, combined with the availability of these games on betting markets around the world, notably with poorly or unregulated betting operators in jurisdictions such as Curaçao and the Philippines, who may themselves have links to criminality, leaves these games at greater risk of potential exploitation by match-fixers.
To address this, the report, Combating Match Fixing in Club Football Non-Competitive Friendlies, proposes:
- That UEFA enforces regulation of friendlies on all 55 member associations
- That match agents are barred from owning or controlling clubs, just as players agents are
- The formation of a body to represent match agents in future negotiations with international bodies such as FIFA and UEFA on regulation
- Establishing data standards that prevent the sale of live match data to poorly and unregulated betting operators
Unlike competitive matches, which are usually covered by agreements between data companies and competition organisers, friendlies are a free-for-all.
Data from these games is being collected and sold to poorly and unregulated betting operators, which do not report signs of suspicious activity, which is often a licensing requirement for well-regulated operators. This sporting event data collation and sale for betting does not currently fall within the scope of regulation, leaving a potential ‘blind spot’ in terms of market and consumer protection.
Lead investigator, Professor Nicos Kartakoullis, President of the Council, University of Nicosia, comments:
“The combination of a lack of regulation, oversight and information makes these matches easier to manipulate than competitive matches.
“This research shows that in terms of governance, friendly matches need to be considered just like competitive matches.
“With the data for 4,000 friendly matches being offered for betting purposes around the world each year, it is also vital that the betting companies receiving that data are operating from well-regulated jurisdictions and report suspicious betting to protect the integrity of those events.”
The research was led by the University of Nicosia Research Foundation and included the International Betting Integrity Association, EU Athletes, CIES and the football players unions of Cyprus, Greece and Malta as project partners.
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affiliate marketing
N1 Partners Takes Flight in Barcelona: Helicopter Awarded at iGB Affiliate 2026 Finale
The curtains have closed on iGB Affiliate 2026, but the echoes of N1 Partners’ massive presence are still vibrating through the halls of the Fira de Barcelona. After two days of high-stakes networking and over 500 business meetings, the company concluded the event by awarding a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter to the grand winner of the N1 Puzzle Promo.
A Hub of Industry Activity
From January 20 to 21, the N1 Partners stand (80-C80) served as a primary nervous system for the expo floor. The team maintained a relentless pace, facilitating hundreds of discussions regarding traffic strategies and custom deals.
Beyond the boardroom-style meetings, the stand offered a more interactive “Plinko” activity and distributed over 300 branded merchandise packs, ensuring the N1 brand remained visible across the entire conference.
Media Spotlight and Thought Leadership
The company’s influence extended beyond the booth, with leadership participating in more than 10 interviews and podcasts. These sessions focused on sustainable growth within the iGaming sector and evolving affiliate expectations, further solidifying N1 Partners’ reputation as a transparent and performance-driven program.
The Grand Finale: A Night to Remember
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the N1 Puzzle Promo Party, an exclusive, closed-format celebration that saw over 2,000 registrations. While only 600 guests could be accommodated, the venue was packed with the industry’s top decision-makers and affiliates.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the winners of the N1 Puzzle Promo leaderboard were announced:
| Rank | Partner Name |
| 1st Place (Helicopter Winner) | Cash Splash |
| 2nd Place | Advertise |
| 3rd Place | Traffic Squad |
| 4th Place | Seven Group |
| 5th Place | Alfaleads Network |
The evening concluded with a live performance from a surprise headline guest and high-energy DJ sets, marking the successful end of a campaign that was recently named Best Advertising and Marketing Campaign at the European iGaming Awards.
The post N1 Partners Takes Flight in Barcelona: Helicopter Awarded at iGB Affiliate 2026 Finale appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
affiliate marketing
N1 Partners Hosts the N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Final and Reveals the Helicopter Winner at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona
iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona has officially come to an end, marking two powerful days for the affiliate industry and an unforgettable grand finale for N1 Puzzle Promo. N1 Partners wrapped up the conference days with high-intensity networking, strong media attention and a large-scale final event that brought the community together.
From January 20 to 21, N1 Partners welcomed partners, media and industry leaders at stand 80-C80, which quickly became one of the most dynamic meeting points on the expo floor.
A Key Meeting Point During iGB Affiliate 2026
Throughout both conference days, the N1 Partners stand maintained a steady flow of visitors and ongoing media attention. The scale of partner engagement and the volume of conversations naturally positioned the stand as a focal point for meetings, interviews and informal discussions across the venue.
Over the course of the conference, the team held more than 500 meetings, covering traffic strategies, custom deals and long-term collaboration opportunities. In parallel, 300+ branded merch packs were distributed to stand visitors, reinforcing brand visibility and partner engagement throughout the event.
The stand experience combined business and interaction in a relaxed format. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails while discussing top-performing deals, took part in the Plinko activity to win exclusive N1 Partners merchandise, and used the space to build new connections, strengthen existing partnerships and move forward with concrete business agreements.
Strong Media Engagement and Industry Dialogue
iGB Affiliate 2026 also served as an important media platform for N1 Partners. During the conference, the team took part in over 10 interviews and podcasts, sharing perspectives on affiliate marketing trends, partner expectations and sustainable growth within the iGaming sector.
This level of media interest reflected the market’s attention to N1 Partners’ approach and reinforced the company’s position as a visible and trusted affiliate program.
The Grand Finale. N1 Puzzle Promo Party
The highlight of the week took place after the first day of the iGB Affiliate conference, when N1 Partners hosted the grand final event of N1 Puzzle Promo in Barcelona. The evening was designed as a closed-format celebration, welcoming a carefully selected audience of partners, industry leaders and key players from the iGaming community.
The event generated significant interest well ahead of time, with over 2,000 registrations, while attendance exceeded 600 guests, filling the venue with decision-makers, top affiliates and long-term partners. The closed nature of the event and limited access created a high level of anticipation and made the finale one of the most talked-about gatherings of the conference week.
During the night, N1 Partners revealed the winner of the main N1 Puzzle Promo prize, awarding a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, alongside exclusive giveaways for guests.
As part of the finale, N1 Partners proudly presented the finalists of N1 Puzzle Promo, recognising the partners who consistently maintained a strong pace throughout the campaign and secured the top positions on the leaderboard.
- 1st place: Cash Splash
- 2nd place: Advertise
- 3rd place: Traffic Squad
- 4th place: Seven Group
- 5th place: Alfaleads Network
The program was complemented by DJ sets and a live performance from the event’s headline guest, turning the evening into a landmark moment that combined celebration, entertainment and strong brand presence.
Recognising N1 Puzzle Promo’s Impact
In addition to its industry presence at iGB Affiliate 2026, N1 Puzzle Promo was recently recognised at the European iGaming Awards, where it was named Best Advertising and Marketing Campaign. This accolade highlights the campaign’s global reach and impact, acknowledging it as one of the most innovative and performance-driven marketing initiatives in the iGaming industry.
Closing the Barcelona Chapter
N1 Partners expressed appreciation to everyone who visited the stand, took part in meetings and contributed to the energy of iGB Affiliate 2026.
Special thanks were also extended to all guests who joined the N1 Puzzle Promo grand final party and helped turn the evening into one of the most memorable moments of the conference week.
The Barcelona chapter has closed, but the momentum continues.
Be number one with N1 Partners!
The post N1 Partners Hosts the N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Final and Reveals the Helicopter Winner at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Latest News
N1 Partners Hosts the N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Final and Reveals the Helicopter Winner at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona
iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona has officially come to an end, marking two powerful days for the affiliate industry and an unforgettable grand finale for N1 Puzzle Promo. N1 Partners wrapped up the conference days with high-intensity networking, strong media attention and a large-scale final event that brought the community together.
From January 20 to 21, N1 Partners welcomed partners, media and industry leaders at stand 80-C80, which quickly became one of the most dynamic meeting points on the expo floor.
A Key Meeting Point During iGB Affiliate 2026
Throughout both conference days, the N1 Partners stand maintained a steady flow of visitors and ongoing media attention. The scale of partner engagement and the volume of conversations naturally positioned the stand as a focal point for meetings, interviews and informal discussions across the venue.
Over the course of the conference, the team held more than 500 meetings, covering traffic strategies, custom deals and long-term collaboration opportunities. In parallel, 300+ branded merch packs were distributed to stand visitors, reinforcing brand visibility and partner engagement throughout the event.
The stand experience combined business and interaction in a relaxed format. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails while discussing top-performing deals, took part in the Plinko activity to win exclusive N1 Partners merchandise, and used the space to build new connections, strengthen existing partnerships and move forward with concrete business agreements.
Strong Media Engagement and Industry Dialogue
iGB Affiliate 2026 also served as an important media platform for N1 Partners. During the conference, the team took part in over 10 interviews and podcasts, sharing perspectives on affiliate marketing trends, partner expectations and sustainable growth within the iGaming sector.
This level of media interest reflected the market’s attention to N1 Partners’ approach and reinforced the company’s position as a visible and trusted affiliate program.
The Grand Finale. N1 Puzzle Promo Party
The highlight of the week took place after the first day of the iGB Affiliate conference, when N1 Partners hosted the grand final event of N1 Puzzle Promo in Barcelona. The evening was designed as a closed-format celebration, welcoming a carefully selected audience of partners, industry leaders and key players from the iGaming community.
The event generated significant interest well ahead of time, with over 2,000 registrations, while attendance exceeded 600 guests, filling the venue with decision-makers, top affiliates and long-term partners. The closed nature of the event and limited access created a high level of anticipation and made the finale one of the most talked-about gatherings of the conference week.
During the night, N1 Partners revealed the winner of the main N1 Puzzle Promo prize, awarding a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, alongside exclusive giveaways for guests.
As part of the finale, N1 Partners proudly presented the finalists of N1 Puzzle Promo, recognising the partners who consistently maintained a strong pace throughout the campaign and secured the top positions on the leaderboard.
- 1st place: Cash Splash
- 2nd place: Advertise
- 3rd place: Traffic Squad
- 4th place: Seven Group
- 5th place: Alfaleads Network
The program was complemented by DJ sets and a live performance from the event’s headline guest, turning the evening into a landmark moment that combined celebration, entertainment and strong brand presence.
Recognising N1 Puzzle Promo’s Impact
In addition to its industry presence at iGB Affiliate 2026, N1 Puzzle Promo was recently recognised at the European iGaming Awards, where it was named Best Advertising and Marketing Campaign. This accolade highlights the campaign’s global reach and impact, acknowledging it as one of the most innovative and performance-driven marketing initiatives in the iGaming industry.
Closing the Barcelona Chapter
N1 Partners expressed appreciation to everyone who visited the stand, took part in meetings and contributed to the energy of iGB Affiliate 2026.
Special thanks were also extended to all guests who joined the N1 Puzzle Promo grand final party and helped turn the evening into one of the most memorable moments of the conference week.
The Barcelona chapter has closed, but the momentum continues.
Be number one with N1 Partners!
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