By David Gold
November 28 – UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino (pictured) has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to eradicating match fixing from football, calling it their “top priority”.
Infantino’s comments were made at a keynote conference between UEFA and the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP).
“The fight against match fixing and corruption is certainly the top priority for UEFA, the UEFA President and the UEFA Executive Committee in the years to come,” he said.
“It is our job to protect football, it is our responsibility to do what we can against corruption, to fight against this cancer that we have to eradicate from football.
“It is obvious that if the fans and children have the impression that the result of a match is known before the match starts, then this clearly affects the soul of football or any other sport.
“To be able to efficiently fight against match fixing, we are committed to doing everything we can – but we also need the help of the law enforcement agencies and authorities.”
Match fixing has dominated much of UEFA and FIFA’s attention this year following a spate of scandals, most prominently an ongoing investigation in Turkey into allegations that leading clubs colluded to influence results last season.
It led to champions Fenerbahçe being expelled from the UEFA Champions League and replaced by league runners up Trabzonspor, who are also accused of involvement in the affair.
Betting rings seeking to make money from in game bets have been at the heart of many of the scandals this season, including investigations that took place in Italy, Cyprus and South Korea, as well as some international games.
Both FIFA and UEFA have taken steps to tackle the problem this year, with the latter moving to set up a network of integrity officers across the continent, whilst a 24 hour betting fraud detection system is also now in place across all UEFA and national European competitions.
UEFA is also educating youngsters about the risks inherent in match fixing, with a number of the investigations this year involving low paid players being manipulated by those seeking to make money from the game.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1738364361labto1738364361ofdlr1738364361owedi1738364361sni@d1738364361log.d1738364361ivad1738364361
Related stories
November 2011: Mihir Bose – It’s time European sports administrators studied US model to combat match fixing
September 2011: Platini calls for tougher penalties on match fixing
September 2011: Platini reiterates “mortal danger” facing football
September 2011: I can see red lights flashing, warns Platini
August 2011: Exclusive – FIFA’s head of security calls for financial rewards for whistle-blowers