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The Big Fix: The Hunt for the Match-Fixers Bringing Down Soccer
Game of Shadows meets Among the Thugs in this revelatory true-to-life crime thriller and expose involving greed, corruption, an Asian crime syndicate, and the fixing of international soccer matches at the highest levels of the game, including the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.
In February 2013, the director of Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, made the shocking announcement that 700 international soccer matches had been fixed since 2008, including World Cup qualifying and exhibition matches, with a Chinese criminal syndicate pulling the strings. For the first time, investigative journalist Brett Forrest takes us inside the underworld of one of organized crime's most profitable businesses—a $1 trillion annual international betting market, of which soccer comprises 70 percent.
Forrest uncovered a web of nefarious dealings across the world, even on U.S. soil. As he found, no match is safe—not even the World Cup tournament—and law enforcement officials lack the resources to stop it. But one man has taken this criminal enterprise on: Chris Eaton, former head of security for FIFA. Now with the International Center for Sports Security in Qatar, this rough and tumble Australian and longtime Interpol cop has tracked down some of the biggest fixers and their financial backers and continues his mission to clean up the world's most popular sport.
Filled with headline making revelations, The Big Fix is must reading for soccer fans and true crime aficionados.
In February 2013, the director of Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, made the shocking announcement that 700 international soccer matches had been fixed since 2008, including World Cup qualifying and exhibition matches, with a Chinese criminal syndicate pulling the strings. For the first time, investigative journalist Brett Forrest takes us inside the underworld of one of organized crime's most profitable businesses—a $1 trillion annual international betting market, of which soccer comprises 70 percent.
Forrest uncovered a web of nefarious dealings across the world, even on U.S. soil. As he found, no match is safe—not even the World Cup tournament—and law enforcement officials lack the resources to stop it. But one man has taken this criminal enterprise on: Chris Eaton, former head of security for FIFA. Now with the International Center for Sports Security in Qatar, this rough and tumble Australian and longtime Interpol cop has tracked down some of the biggest fixers and their financial backers and continues his mission to clean up the world's most popular sport.
Filled with headline making revelations, The Big Fix is must reading for soccer fans and true crime aficionados.
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First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 18, 2025
A fast-paced and engrossing look at the world of match and result fixing in international soccer, in which the author has managed to talk to both an investigator and expert from the law enforcement side, and one of the better known perpetrators.
It's a whirlwind, worldwide look at the greasy mechanics of the fraud. It explodes any myths that such manipulations are isolated incidents, and explains how and why the rise of the internet spurred growth in match manipulation, both by increasing the opportunities for real-time minute-by-minute gambling on games and facilitating the flow of capital to gambling, increasing the motives and means for fixing.
What the author doesn't, really can't, get to (neither can law enforcement) is reaching the true behind-the-scenes 'whos' at the higher levels of organized crime that ultimately drive match-fixing.
The book is also 10 years old, so it's left to my imaginiation whether things are the same, better or worse. In a world that encourages my cynicism, I know which bet I would lay.
It's a whirlwind, worldwide look at the greasy mechanics of the fraud. It explodes any myths that such manipulations are isolated incidents, and explains how and why the rise of the internet spurred growth in match manipulation, both by increasing the opportunities for real-time minute-by-minute gambling on games and facilitating the flow of capital to gambling, increasing the motives and means for fixing.
What the author doesn't, really can't, get to (neither can law enforcement) is reaching the true behind-the-scenes 'whos' at the higher levels of organized crime that ultimately drive match-fixing.
The book is also 10 years old, so it's left to my imaginiation whether things are the same, better or worse. In a world that encourages my cynicism, I know which bet I would lay.
June 16, 2017
Lags a bit, with a lack of direction at times. It also completely ignores the bigger picture of what's going on, but still an interesting and enjoyable read for those interested in the seedy side of the beautiful game.
July 6, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book and getting a glimpse on how bad match fixing situation is in soccer. The book feels however too focused on 2 particular individuals and the bouncing between chapters on events is unsettling.
Read
July 1, 2021This is an interesting story told through a couple of compelling characters🇸🇬 🇦🇺. However, I'm left wanting to know the real story about the 🇨🇳 triad kingpin behind Dan Tan Seet Eng and the high-tech market-making (🇵🇭?) clearing all the in-game betting action.
December 20, 2023
High 4. The story was quite compelling, the characters and multiple perspectives engaging. Am just not sure if my level of interest in the subject matter merits a full 5 stars.
December 24, 2024
The tentacles of gambling are strangling our beloved game and this book gives some insight into the world of match fixing. I wasn't surprised that my homeland appeared few times in the stories.
July 3, 2021
Livro 13 de 2021
Apresenta uma realidade pouco conhecida para os brasileiros, principalmente por tratar de esquemas de manipulação em campeonatos inexpressivos, majoritariamente do terceiro mundo ou de praças inócuas no futebol. A linha cronológica é confusa, mas o autor é bem sucedido ao nos apresentar uma das formas de financiamento mais lucrativas do crime organizado asiático.
Apresenta uma realidade pouco conhecida para os brasileiros, principalmente por tratar de esquemas de manipulação em campeonatos inexpressivos, majoritariamente do terceiro mundo ou de praças inócuas no futebol. A linha cronológica é confusa, mas o autor é bem sucedido ao nos apresentar uma das formas de financiamento mais lucrativas do crime organizado asiático.
January 2, 2024
"The Big Fix" by Brett Forrest provides readers with an in-depth look into the pervasive issue of match-fixing in global sports. While the book is informative and well-researched, it may fall short in certain aspects, leaving readers with a mixed overall impression.
Forrest's investigative work shines as he unveils the intricate web of corruption that surrounds match-fixing, exposing the various individuals and organizations involved. The book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the dark underbelly of sports, with a particular focus on soccer, cricket, and tennis.
The narrative style, while informative, occasionally lacks the narrative flair that could make the complex subject matter more engaging. The abundance of facts and details may overwhelm some readers, making it a dense read at times. The lack of a central narrative thread or a compelling protagonist might hinder the book's ability to sustain a consistently engaging storyline.
The organization of the book is generally logical, moving from one case study to another, but it may lack a clear and compelling overarching structure. Some readers might find themselves yearning for a more cohesive narrative that seamlessly connects the diverse instances of match-fixing explored in the book.
On the positive side, Forrest's interviews and firsthand accounts provide valuable insights, adding a human element to the larger narrative. The inclusion of historical context and the examination of the socio-economic factors that contribute to match-fixing offer depth to the exploration of the subject.
While the book is thorough in its research, it occasionally lacks a critical analysis of the broader implications and potential solutions to the issue. Readers might find themselves seeking more in-depth discussions on the ethical and systemic challenges faced by the sports industry.
In conclusion, "The Big Fix" is a commendable attempt by Brett Forrest to uncover the dark world of match-fixing. It provides a wealth of information and exposes the intricacies of corruption in sports, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in the subject. However, the book's dense presentation and occasional lack of a compelling narrative might make it less accessible to a broader audience.
Forrest's investigative work shines as he unveils the intricate web of corruption that surrounds match-fixing, exposing the various individuals and organizations involved. The book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the dark underbelly of sports, with a particular focus on soccer, cricket, and tennis.
The narrative style, while informative, occasionally lacks the narrative flair that could make the complex subject matter more engaging. The abundance of facts and details may overwhelm some readers, making it a dense read at times. The lack of a central narrative thread or a compelling protagonist might hinder the book's ability to sustain a consistently engaging storyline.
The organization of the book is generally logical, moving from one case study to another, but it may lack a clear and compelling overarching structure. Some readers might find themselves yearning for a more cohesive narrative that seamlessly connects the diverse instances of match-fixing explored in the book.
On the positive side, Forrest's interviews and firsthand accounts provide valuable insights, adding a human element to the larger narrative. The inclusion of historical context and the examination of the socio-economic factors that contribute to match-fixing offer depth to the exploration of the subject.
While the book is thorough in its research, it occasionally lacks a critical analysis of the broader implications and potential solutions to the issue. Readers might find themselves seeking more in-depth discussions on the ethical and systemic challenges faced by the sports industry.
In conclusion, "The Big Fix" is a commendable attempt by Brett Forrest to uncover the dark world of match-fixing. It provides a wealth of information and exposes the intricacies of corruption in sports, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in the subject. However, the book's dense presentation and occasional lack of a compelling narrative might make it less accessible to a broader audience.
June 17, 2014
Certainly an absorbing and disturbing story for any fan of soccer, international or otherwise. The existence of fixing is not surprising, but I found the breadth to be somewhat shocking, but and the general international disinterest infuriating. Addressing the entire phenomenon as a battle between a paragon Eaton and the renegade Perumal gives the story a bit more humanity I suppose, but it also leads to some overly dramatic writing where each step is the greatest fix/discovery ever seen in all the world only to be supplanted in the following chapter as the conflict between these two giants escalates. Still, if you have any interest in soccer, or really international sport I suppose, or hell, international crime, the world of betting, or any number of broader themes, then this book is a worthwhile read.
June 23, 2014
This book visits the world of match-fixing in global soccer. I found it interesting that the major match fixers are based in Asia, and that they could profit immensely from betting on some of the most obscure leagues/lowest divisions in the world. That being said, anybody watching the Gold Cup probably wouldn't be surprised to know some of those games have been fixed as well.
While the book was interesting, I also found it to be dry and thought it could have been a little shorter. This would be a good read for somebody interested in the global corruption of the beautiful game.
While the book was interesting, I also found it to be dry and thought it could have been a little shorter. This would be a good read for somebody interested in the global corruption of the beautiful game.
October 19, 2014
I'm branching out on my fiscal malfeasance reading to cover sports. So for those who were wondering if the NFL--or US sports in general--has a corner on bad behavior, this book would suggest no. And it also makes clear that international soccer could maybe use a good housecleaning. But then, with the ease and prevalence of online gambling, and the billions or even trillions of dollars that entails, pretty much any sport today risks the kind of corruption Brett Forrest discusses here. (The World Cup? In Qatar? In the summer? No, there's nothing fishy there.)
September 24, 2015
Difficult to swallow, but equally difficult to put down, Brett Forrest narrates the plot between criminal and pursuer while simultaneously intertwining facts with seemingly fantastical realities in a way that feels unbelievable and too dramatic to have actually happened.
For those that love sports, it's a sobering read that can take bits of innocence and naivety, but is ultimately necessary to be reminded of the underworld that can tear down the foundations that hold organized leagues together.
For those that love sports, it's a sobering read that can take bits of innocence and naivety, but is ultimately necessary to be reminded of the underworld that can tear down the foundations that hold organized leagues together.
August 4, 2014
An interesting introduction to the world of soccer gambling. Eye-opening and a bit depressing for those of us who didn't know much about it. Sort of takes the fun out of watching that sport (and maybe others??), which must be more of a sport for gamblers than it is for players. Hard to imagine how it will change - and the book doesn't really offer up any food for thought in that area. The book stops more than it ends.
September 8, 2016
This expose into the world of soccer match-fixing reads briskly, like a feature magazine piece. Everything is presented in such a matter-of-fact manner that the illegal acts are simultaneously difficult to believe and confoundingly simple. The book is two years old, and plenty of similar articles have been published since then, but Brett Forrest's work still represents the most comprehensive picture of soccer match-fixing and the people investigating it.
November 19, 2014
I love Soccer but I wanted to know a little about the underbelly. Lots of info and who know that you could bet on a match EVERY SECOND. Sometimes I couldn't follow b/c I don't bet but very interesting read
June 17, 2014
A scary look into the world of football fixing and betting. This reads as more of a investigative novel with not-so-compelling characters. Brings to life 2 things that are scary - 1) how easy it is to fix 2) FIFA's lackadaisical attitude towards fixing
August 4, 2016
If you're into football, this will definitely appeal to you. And if you're into betting as well, then even more. Some impressive fixes, outcomes and ways of doing it. Worth a read.
Nonetheless, the ending left me a bit...up in the air. Dear Author, what happened next?
Nonetheless, the ending left me a bit...up in the air. Dear Author, what happened next?
October 7, 2014
An engrossing and enlightening book on the seedy underbelly of match fixing in the world's most popular game. Forrest did a wonderful job of taking a highly-complex situation and finding both enchanting characters and strong narrative. A must-read for any FIFA-hating soccer fan.
March 16, 2015
It's hard to understand how a book about my favourite sport, and a really interesting aspect of the sport, could be so frustrating, but the narrative is so jumbled and the 'chapter's so short that there was no real flow.
April 14, 2015
It may just have been me, but I found this all a bit hard to follow. The story jumps around at times rather than following a simple chronological order. An interesting, if ultimately unsatisfying, read, though.
June 2, 2014
FIFA mad crooked
August 16, 2014
interesting story of gambling and match fixing in soccer. good read but you have to pay attention as his chapter jump around in time.
February 22, 2016
This book was written before the downfall of Blatter but still great insight in the rotten world of footy.
July 7, 2016
Fairly well reported but choppy. Understanding it came originally from ESPN magazine, could have used some better transition rather than abrupt chapter to chapter switches
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews