LaLiga strengthens integrity, trains Real Madrid on betting ban
LaLiga has launched its traditional annual integrity campaign with a training session aimed at Real Madrid’s first team, held this Friday in Valdebebas. The organization seeks to reinforce among professional footballers, both from the First and Second Divisions, the rules governing sports activity and the strict prohibitions related to betting, use of insider information, and match-fixing.
Club sources confirmed that Real Madrid maintains an internal “zero tolerance” policy against betting and match-fixing, emphasizing that these behaviors are banned even beyond the criminal liabilities they may entail.
Mandatory training and focus on legal risks
During the session, the players of the white team attentively followed the course given by Pedro Varas, LaLiga’s Integrity Manager, who replaced the historic trainer Iñaki Arbea this year. LaLiga reminded that:
- Players cannot bet on any competition in which their club participates, nor in any other sport managed by the entity.
- It is forbidden to offer or receive bonuses to third parties.
- The use or transmission of insider information — such as injuries, lineups, or any sensitive data — is strictly prohibited.
The AFE defines match-fixing as “any intentional act or omission that improperly alters the course or result of a competition in order to obtain an undue benefit.” In Spain, this behavior is typified in article 286 bis of the Penal Code, which establishes penalties ranging from six months to four years in prison, in addition to professional disqualifications from one to six years.
At the federation level, sanctions can reach fines of up to 30,551 euros and license suspension between two and five years, and even permanent withdrawal in the most serious cases.
An internal control model at Real Madrid
Beyond regulatory requirements, Real Madrid maintains its own monitoring system that covers all its teams, from the first team to the youth academy, and includes both football and basketball. Club sources highlight that this policy is “exemplary,” as recognized by both LaLiga and the RFEF.
A campaign that extends to the entire professional structure
Each season, LaLiga delivers around 160 integrity workshops aimed at players, affiliates, and youth teams. The training is mandatory: players must sign a document certifying that they have received the training and understand the rules.
These sessions also address indirect manipulation of the game, such as forcing cards, altering statistical parameters on which bets can be placed, or any conduct that artificially modifies the normal development of a match.
Tags: Spain, Spain betting, Real Madrid betting, LaLiga