FIFA and UNODC Launch Global Integrity Program to Combat Match-Fixing
The global football governing body, FIFA, has joined forces with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to launch a new initiative aimed at curbing the widespread problem of match-fixing and manipulation worldwide.
The FIFA Global Integrity Program seeks to elevate educational standards and bolster integrity capabilities across all 211 FIFA member associations by disseminating knowledge and resources.
FIFA asserts that the program’s primary objective is to establish enduring integrity and anti-corruption initiatives at the grassroots level, with each continental confederation benefiting from a series of three-module virtual training sessions that will concentrate on integrity matters.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “Match-fixing poses a significant threat that undermines the integrity and reputation of football in numerous nations across the globe.”
“Collaborating closely with UNODC experts, and alongside other ongoing FIFA endeavors, the FIFA Global Integrity Program represents another crucial step in FIFA’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of football, and will play a pivotal role in educating and developing the capacity of member associations to aid in combating match-fixing at the local level.”
To back this effort, FIFA will also unveil a Integrity Officer Community Platform, an online forum for integrity officers across all member associations and confederations.
FIFA stated that this secure platform will unite a worldwide network of integrity officers to share their experiences, exchange best practices on preventing and combating match fixing, and promote ethical conduct.
The introduction of this new initiative follows FIFA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime announcing a new campaign in December to encourage the football industry to publicly oppose match fixing.
The collaboration centers around FIFA’s confidential reporting platform, which aims to encourage players, coaches, and officials to identify, resist, and report match manipulation.