Written On 5/10/11 By Recentpoker.com staff writer Emily Apontif :
Euro 20 million dedicated to eradicating football match fixing
The world football governing body FIFA has announced an investment of Euro 20 million to be used in collaboration with Interpol and other interested parties dedicated to stopping match-fixing and illegal betting in its tracks.
Working closely with Interpol, the organisation has devised a 10-year anti-corruption programme that should reduce future incidents such as those allegedly involving Juventus, Lazio and AC Milan in recent times.
Sepp Blatter, the president of FIFA, said that match-fixing is a major danger to the sport, and that FIFA is committed to doing everything in its power to tackle it.
"In the fight against illegal betting and match-fixing, the preventive measures that can be taken and the protection of the players and the integrity of the game are of the utmost importance," Blatter asserted.
"Joint work with the authorities and with Interpol is crucial for success, and for this reason we are very pleased to announce this contribution."
The investment will be spent to educate players around the world to the threats of match fixing, as well as highlighting the dangers to referees and officials, and Blatter emphasised that any instances of match fixing or illegal betting in the future would be quickly, decisively and strongly dealt with.
"Match-fixing shakes the very foundations of sport, namely fair play, respect and discipline," he added. "That's why FIFA employs a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any infringement of these values," he said.
Interpol applauded FIFA’s determination to finance anti-corruption measures, with spokesman Ronald Noble commenting : "By funding a long-term corruption prevention training programme to be designed and implemented by Interpol, FIFA has taken a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of football worldwide."