The president of the FIFA Gianni Infantino he said today during the first FIFA Integrity Summit that the threat of match manipulation is a reality and can only be addressed if FIFA and its member associations join forces and fight together.
The two-day event, which takes place in Singapore in partnership with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), is aimed at integrity officers from the six confederations and 211 associations. Its main objective is to update them on global integrity trends, share best practices, present the new FIFA Integrity Manual and Education Roadmap and explore relevant decisions from FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for regarding match manipulation.
In his opening remarks, Infantino said that as a multi-billion dollar industry, football always represents an attractive target for criminal activity.
“We must ensure that the playing field remains free from malevolent external influences, because if it doesn't, then the very existence of our beloved sport will be threatened. We have to stay on our guard,” he said.”
As part of the effort to ensure integrity, he said FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Office against drugs and crime in Vienna, Austria, in 2020 and this was renewed in New York last September. This collaboration led to the Global Integrity Programme, which aims to provide MAs with the knowledge and tools to prevent and combat match fixing. A key part of this effort is providing education and training to players, referees and integrity officials. “Fifa is committed to preventing and sanctioning all forms of match manipulation, corruption and other unethical or illegal activities, but we can only do this with your help,” Infantino underlined. “FIFA member associations are responsible for fighting and combating match manipulation in their territories and no one is immune from this threat.” During the summit, participants will hear from keynote speakers from FIFA, CAS and other professionals involved in the fight against match manipulation, as well as representatives from other sports. “This summit is a crucial platform to engage in deep discussions on addressing match manipulation,” Infantino added.
FIFA has invited integrity officers from all 211 FIFA member associations and six confederations to participate in the Summit. The first FIFA Integrity Summit is held on 4 and 5 April 2024 in collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation and the Football Association of Singapore. The summit aims to update integrity officials on global integrity trends, share best practices, present new FIFA integrity interventions and education roadmap, and explore relevant FIFA and court decisions referee for sport (CAS) regarding the manipulation of matches. (photo FIFA.com)
