Betting data scouts in the focus of amateur clubs after TV documentary

Sports betting on amateur soccer is prohibited in Germany. Internationally, however, they are offered on a large scale - including for matches in Germany. What is curious is that the topic seems to be uncharted territory for German clubs and even DFB officials. This was revealed in a recent TV documentary by public broadcasters. The report takes a comprehensive look at such betting, in which so-called data scouts play a central role. These information providers for the bookies are now receiving increased attention from the clubs and associations.

Betting on German amateur soccer is a not insignificant market for international bookmakers - with far-reaching consequences. Particularly piquant: even if the amateur betting offers from Betano, bwin, Interwetten and co. are not aimed directly at German customers, they still pose a considerable risk of manipulation. This is mainly due to the fact that players in the lower leagues often receive little or no remuneration. This financial situation could increase the appeal for some players to generate additional income through match-fixing.

The dynamic in question has recently come under increasing scrutiny from amateur clubs and soccer associations, particularly after an explosive public TV documentary on betting on amateur matches brought the issue into the public eye. The report, which was first broadcast in August 2024, clearly shows how important the role of so-called data scouts is.

Just a few weeks after the Kirchheim incident, a data scout was also discovered on a sports field during a match in the Verbandsliga Hessen Mitte. The case was taken very seriously. The Hessian Football Association (HFV) reacted quickly and even published a special guide for amateur clubs containing recommendations on how to deal with such scouts. This is unlikely to be the last case of its kind.

No match-fixing in the Verbandsliga Hessen Mitte, but the case is being taken seriously

The incident in the Verbandsliga Hessen Mitte, in which a data scout was discovered during a match, prompted both the club concerned and the HFV to take swift and precise action. Although there were no concrete indications of match-fixing, the incident was taken seriously and the club intervened immediately by sending the scout off the pitch in close consultation with the referees. This was done as part of the exercise of domiciliary rights. The data collector apparently complied with the call without any major resistance.

• The HFV also consulted the DFB's ombudsman for match-fixing and refereeing, Dr Carsten Thiel von Herff, who carried out a thorough investigation. He confirmed that there were no signs of betting or match-fixing in this particular context. Nevertheless, the association emphasised the seriousness of the situation and the need to remain vigilant.
• Prof. Dr Silke Sinning, Vice President of the HFV, emphasised that protecting the integrity of the game was a top priority. She referred to Section 21 No. 1a of the State Treaty on Gambling, which prohibits the unauthorised offering or brokering of sports betting - and also includes the unauthorised collection of gambling information for betting purposes.

This case illustrates the HFV's proactive stance, particularly with regard to sensitising clubs to potential manipulation risks.

Hessian Football Association offers special guidelines on ‘Dealing with sports betting in the amateur sector’

The HFV promptly responded to the data scout incident with further measures and shortly afterwards published a comprehensive guide entitled ‘Dealing with sports betting in the amateur sector’. The document was sent to all clubs and officials in the association and is intended to provide the clubs with clear recommendations on how to react appropriately in the event of suspicious activities related to betting.

Robert Neubauer, Chairman of the Association's Match Operations and Football Development Committee, emphasised how important it is for clubs to be prepared and know the right steps to take in order to effectively prevent potential manipulation attempts or illegal data collection.

The guide contains both legal information and practical measures for emergencies and provides clubs with a tool to act confidently in the event of suspicions.

1. Reaction to suspected betting: If there is a suspicion that bets are being placed online on a match, the club representatives should be informed immediately, who can then inform the referee team. It is essential to proceed calmly and objectively in order to avoid unnecessary escalation.
2. Dealing with data scouts: If there are indications of people collecting match information for betting purposes, they should be identified and expelled from the sports grounds. The club can assert its domiciliary rights in this regard.
3. Documentation of the incident: All relevant information - including screenshots of betting sites or notes about the incident - should be carefully documented. Witnesses should record their observations in writing.
4. Debriefing and reporting: After the match, it is recommended to hold an internal meeting to evaluate the procedure and, if necessary, determine further steps. The HFA should be informed of the incident by e-mail to spielbetrieb@hfv-online.de.
5. Match-fixing: If match-fixing is suspected, the incident should be reported to the competent sports court in accordance with Section 13 of the Legal and Procedural Regulations. The court will check whether there is any sanctionable behaviour in accordance with the HFV Criminal Code.

The guidelines also make it clear that betting by players on their own matches is also a punishable offence. In such cases, the sports court is also involved. The DFB has also set up an ombudsman's office where players, club representatives and referees can seek advice if they come into contact with match-fixing or betting manipulation.

Conclusion

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