CONMEBOL Runs Referee Betting Integrity Training With IBIA

The South American Football Confederation and the International Betting Integrity Association continue cooperation on betting integrity education during the current football season. The focus is referee awareness and early prevention of match fixing risks linked to regulated betting markets.

The programme involves in person training sessions delivered to referees working across CONMEBOL competitions. Sessions are scheduled during the current month and form part of a wider integrity framework already in place between both organizations.

Good to Know

• Over 100 CONMEBOL referees attend in person betting integrity education sessions
• Training focuses on real manipulation methods, betting rules, and reporting procedures
• Education supports existing betting alert monitoring through IBIA Global MAP

More than 100 referees take part in training delivered through the Ethics, Compliance and Integrity Directorate Session. The programme uses practical examples rather than theory. Officials learn how betting manipulation approaches begin and how improper contact can escalate if ignored.

Jean François Reymond leads the sessions as IBIA Education Ambassador. Training addresses criminal approaches, misuse of sensitive match information, and betting regulations that apply to officials. Referees receive clear instructions on reporting channels and the professional consequences linked to violations.

Manipulation rarely starts with direct requests. Pressure often develops gradually through repeated contact or misplaced trust. Education helps referees recognize these early patterns before they develop further. The approach places prevention at the match official level rather than relying only on post event investigation.

Graciela Garay, Director of Ethics, Compliance and Integrity at CONMEBOL, said:

“Integrity is not an abstract value, it is a governance priority and a strategic pillar of football development. By placing education at the center of our integrity framework, we are empowering referees with the knowledge, confidence and institutional backing they need to act decisively. This proactive approach strengthens trust, protects our competitions and reinforces CONMEBOL’s long-term commitment to transparency, credibility and fair play across South American football.”

The education programme operates alongside existing monitoring cooperation. IBIA shares suspicious betting alerts through Global MAP while CONMEBOL maintains an internal monitoring group. Education adds context to alert data by ensuring referees understand how manipulation develops on the ground.

Jean François Reymond, IBIA Education Ambassador, said:

“Referees are not just enforcers of the rules, they are guardians of the competition itself. Education gives them clarity, confidence and protection. When officials understand how manipulation works and how to respond, the space for match-fixing shrinks dramatically. As the global standard setter for athlete education on betting integrity, we are very excited to be working closely with CONMEBOL and their Ethics, Compliance and Integrity Department because of their commitment to creating a culture of integrity in football.”