FIFA has declared its enhanced focus on ensuring the integrity and transparency within football, through collaborative efforts with key partners in the integrity sector. A big step discussed during meetings at FIFA’s headquarters is the creation of a dedicated body for integrity, aimed at safeguarding the sport’s essence.
These discussions drew participants from major organizations involved in recent integrity initiatives, including INTERPOL, the Council of Europe, the Copenhagen Group, Sportradar, United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports, and the International Betting Integrity Association, along with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the FBI. The goal is to set up a standing task force to protect football’s integrity, especially by monitoring betting markets in real-time during FIFA tournaments and aiding in the investigation of any suspicious match-related activities.
FIFA’s strategy against manipulation and illegal activities in football emphasizes promoting integrity and securing sporting events. The organization strives to maintain integrity both internally and publicly, while also preventing match-fixing threats to football matches and competitions.
To streamline its efforts, FIFA has restructured its Legal and Compliance Division to include FIFA Integrity. This new department is tasked with spearheading FIFA’s integrity efforts, conducting initial inquiries into match manipulation, and working closely with a variety of stakeholders to bolster its network. It also aims to assist member associations and confederations in creating and enhancing their own integrity measures.