A two-day conference on January 17 and 18, entitled ‘Match-fixing: The ugly side of the beautiful game’ was run by INTERPOL and FIFA, supported by the Italian Department of Public Security. Some 200 representatives from law enforcement, international bodies including FIFPro, Sportaccord, national football associations, national FA integrity officers, players and referee reps, betting companies and gambling regulators.
The need to develop and implement a range of prevention activities through education and training was highlighted as vital in protecting football from organised crime and professional criminals who make billions from illegal betting through match-fixing and other associated illegal activities.
The head of INTERPOL’s Integrity in Sport unit, Michaela Ragg, said the event provided ‘a strong base to further advance the collective fight against match-fixing’.
“By bringing together representatives from the widest possible range of organizations involved in combating match-fixing, the conference provided an opportunity to share expertise and identify best practice to ensure that we all move forward together in tackling this global problem,” said Ms Ragg.
The conference for representatives from national European Football Associations and law enforcement was the first in a series around the world. An Asian regional meeting runs in Kuala Lumpur in February.
