Match-fixing is one of the biggest threats to Swedish sports and football is particularly vulnerable.

Laying matches, bribery attempts and threats occur all the way down in the youth series and according to the police, it is becoming increasingly common.

In February 2021, bribery attempts in youth football will be taken up in court for the first time.

- We see that the criminal networks are starting to act against associations and players who are in no way prepared for this.

There is a lot of money to be made from very odd matches and associations that are easy to influence, says Fredrik Gårdare who is head of the police action group against sports crime.

Call from unknown number

A judge who has been exposed is called Rafael and this is what happened when someone tried to bribe him.

- I get a call from an unknown number, but I answer because I'm curious.

I hear a man ask if I'm the one to judge this weekend.

He starts saying that it is an important match for them, and he says that if I sentence them, I will get 10,000 kroner.

"Quite uncomfortable"

Another young judge, who mainly judges young people born in 2006, was contacted by a person who pretended to be a coach.

In a text message, the person wrote the following:

“If you choose that the outcome of the match will be positive for us, you will receive increased compensation for the match.

A thousand kronor you are promised if that happens.

We need three points in the series.

You can choose to believe or not believe in this.

Need I say more?

If you choose to believe in it, you will now be compensated immediately and if the outcome of the match is not to my advantage, I will get this amount back.

Does it sound good?"

The judge immediately rejected the offer, but says that it felt uncomfortable to be exposed to the bribery attempt.

- It is quite unpleasant that some type has persecuted one.

Someone has watched what matches I have and who I am, he says.

The first part of the series "Sports' heaven and hell" is broadcast on Wednesday at 22.30 on SVT1.

See the whole series here.

REPORTAGE: Bribery attempts in youth football