FIFA launches anti-corruption drive
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
ZURICH, Jan 10 (AFP): FIFA announced Tuesday a series of new measures to combat match-fixing, including an appeal for assistance to Interpol and the establishment of protection programmes for informants.
"Football currently faces unprecedented problems concerning fixed matches, the effects of which are felt at a national, regional and international level," read a statement from world football's governing body.
These criminal practices "damage the integrity of FIFA and the reputation of football's organising bodies," added FIFA, which endured a 2011 plagued by corruption scandals.
"The biggest threat today stems from international criminals who conspire and sometimes succeed in manipulating international football matches."
In order to clamp down on match-fixing, which is linked to illegal betting, FIFA intends to put in place an early warning system to detect suspicious activity in advance.
FIFA will also appeal to international police organisation Interpol and to national police force for help in the fight against match-fixing.
"Football currently faces unprecedented problems concerning fixed matches, the effects of which are felt at a national, regional and international level," read a statement from world football's governing body.
These criminal practices "damage the integrity of FIFA and the reputation of football's organising bodies," added FIFA, which endured a 2011 plagued by corruption scandals.
"The biggest threat today stems from international criminals who conspire and sometimes succeed in manipulating international football matches."
In order to clamp down on match-fixing, which is linked to illegal betting, FIFA intends to put in place an early warning system to detect suspicious activity in advance.
FIFA will also appeal to international police organisation Interpol and to national police force for help in the fight against match-fixing.