By Andrew Warshaw
January 12 – UEFA are following FIFA’s lead by linking up with Interpol to clamp down both on match fixing and stadium violence.
Last year FIFA and Interpol announced a $20 million (£13 million/€15 million), 10-year gang-busting agreement and the international police agency has now agreed to similarly assist Europe’s governing body.
UEFA President Michel Platini (pictured above left) has met with Interpol secretary general Ron Noble (right) to formalise the partnership which will include Interpol sending support teams to this year’s European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine.
“For UEFA, the ongoing fight against match fixing is one of the most important priorities in my second term as UEFA President,” said Platini.
“By agreeing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Interpol and by working closely with their network and through our betting fraud detection system, the net is now tightening on those involved in match fixing and illegal sports betting.”
Underlining his organisation’s commitment to stamp out criminality in football, Noble said: “Clearly match-fixing is a worldwide issue.
“Interpol is ideally placed to help UEFA, FIFA and all footballing professionals tackle the issue effectively at a global level, but at the same time it is important not to lose sight of other types of crime which can affect the sport.”
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