Miami, May 13 (IANS/CMC): Continental football governing body CONCACAF has penned an agreement with Interpol aimed at tackling the scourge of match-fixing, it was announced here.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will see both organisations exchanging resources and experiences in an effort to deal with a problem that has threatened the global integrity of the sport, reports CMC.
"At the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) we are determined to eradicate this scourge from football through education, surveillance and sanction of those involved in any unethical and unlawful behaviour that would undermine the legitimate nature of the game," said CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb.
"Working together with Interpol will allow us to tap into their vast expertise in this area. The football family must continue to play an intrinsic part on the battle against match fixing.
“However, we mustn’t forget to work in partnership with all other stakeholders, such as other sports, governments, media, fans and society as a whole."
The MOU will involve training programmes and educational workshops on match-fixing and corruption, for all stakeholders including players, referees and officials.
CONCACAF has already taken steps in dealing with match-fixing.
They were part of a joint Interpol-FIFA Integrity in Sport workshop in New York last year and also participated in a similar workshop in Guatemala a year earlier.
Last November, the confederation appointed Laila Mintas as Director of Sports Integrity, to lead the fight against match-fixing in the region.
Only recently, CONCACAF launched an initiative titled ‘Protect Yourself and Keep Your Sport Clean’ for players, coaches and officials participating in CONCACAF championships at all age levels.