Fixed: My Secret Life as a Match Fixer

by Moses Swaibu

'Exposes a dark and corrupt underworld in British football' Joao Castelo-Branco, ESPN

'Gritty, dark and inspiring - you won't have read a story like this before' Daniel Taylor, The Athletic and New York Times

'The descent from talented footballer to convicted criminal is shocking. The journey thereafter is nothing short of inspirational' Rob Dorsett, Sky Sports

'A compelling and necessary story' Nicolas Sayde, Council of Europe

***

In 2012, English football was rocked by the biggest match-fixing operation to hit these shores in the modern era. An Asian syndicate had infiltrated the Conference South with players being offered vast sums of money to help rig games and net millions of pounds for the fixers. Loyal fans attending matches were oblivious to the fact that outcomes had been predetermined. The remarkable story of how this syndicate was able to take hold of the national sport is told to us by a man who not only played in many of these games, but went to jail for helping to fix them - Moses Swaibu.

Fixed breaks new ground as Moses Swaibu becomes the first player ever to write openly about how he helped to fix games, revealing exactly what happens on the pitch when a match is being manipulated. He also exposes how the criminal gangs operate, how young professional players are targeted and groomed and the threats of violence that are used to keep them in check. From fixer, to rehabilitation, Swaibu's story of redemption offers a fascinating insight into the ugly side of the beautiful game. This is a sporting account like none ever written before.

Genres: Sports

Audible Audio

Published June 12, 2025

Reviews

[Greville Waterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really tough read but an important one. It tells the dark, depressing and tawdry tale of a young footballer brought up amongst gang culture and cage football life in South London and certainly early on his story proves the old adage that you can take the man out of the gang environment but the lessons learned stay with him.

Swaibu seemed on the verge of a successful football career but injuries, bad luck and his own behaviour, lack of thinking skills and dubious associations let him down and he ended up as a part timer in the National League South, ripe for exploitation.

The lure of easy money was impossible to resist and we receive a slightly confusing primer into the hows, whys and wherefores of match fixing. Fascinating though it was it angered me that players, albeit poorly paid and with no contractual security were apparently jumping over themselves to join Swaibu and his Singapore gang bosses and participate in their murky endeavours.

There was no real insight into the effects of his behaviour on fans and the game itself as the lure of easy money overrode everything.

Flying too close to the sun Swaibu is arrested, sent to jail and finally seeks redemption on his release by warning others in the game of the dangers they face from match fixers.

I felt a bit mucky and angry when I finished the book but it shone an important light on a serious issue that threatens our national game so its publication is to be welcomed.

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be an interesting read considering I like football and have worked in the gambling industry.It was amazing to read the corruption that went on in lower league football and the impact it had on people's lives and the amount of money that was involved in the corruption of this great sport.
Then I started to question with my betting head on,just how much money mentioned was allowed to be placed on these very lower league matches and that these people seem to be winning all the time plus the people taking the bets allowed it to keep on happening rather than saying No we don't want your bets anymore there is something not right.
I also questioned how, at times, only 2 people involved in a match that was fixed that they got the right result and the game where 3 goals had to be scored in the first 15 minutes that they got that to happen as well ,Hmm plus the mention of 2 people walking into a Ladbrokes and placing a thousand pound bet on the correct score it could not happen the bet would be refused.I know it's non fiction but I do question some of the content.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the Arc

[Dean HOCK1NG · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second half of this book (where the match fixing details begin) are quite staggering to me, especially as a football fan. I couldn’t quite believe it to be honest and I didn’t want to stop reading. It is an interesting read and a must for any football fan in my opinion although it did also make me feel quite sad at times thinking about the corruption especially in an environment where I have some past experiences. Well written and I truly hope the author stays on his path of redemption and keeps helping others

[Bunmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had listened to the 'Sport's Strangest Crimes' podcast on the BBC, and thought I knew the story. But this book adds a lot more depth to Moses' story - truly fascinating and I could not put it down. Match Fixing in the UK? I couldn't believe it the first time I heard about this story, and it's incredible to hear how it all happened. Moses has turned his life around and it's a real privilege to read his story. If you love the beautiful game, you need to read this book.

[Josephine Olok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book, hard to believe the extent of matchfixing in football. Good to see that the author is giving back to football after having taken so much away from it.