Fifa's Anti-Corruption Plan to Receive A Big Investment Boost

Football match fixing to be fought decidedly This week came an important announcement from the world football governing body FIFA, which is making a Euro 20 million investment for an anti-corruption initiative to be conducted in collaboration with Interpol and other interested parties, whose main aim is to put an end to match-fixing and illegal betting in football. According to FIFA President Sepp Blatter, match-fixing is one of the major threats to the sport, so "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. Joint work with the authorities and with Interpol is crucial for success, and for this reason we are very pleased to announce this contribution." IT was also emphasized in the announcement that the related activities will also involve player education about the threats of match fixing, and informing of referees and officials about the corresponding dangers of such practice. In relation to this, Blatter emphasized 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.” On the other side, Interpol was strongly supportive of the FIFA's initiative, and its spokesman Ronald Noble commented: "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."