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Anti-match-fixing awareness has taken on a new level of urgency in Canadian soccer, and two groups have spent another year building that culture from the ground up. A joint programme from the International Betting Integrity Association and PFA Canada wrapped up its second season after meeting close to two hundred players and staff across every Canadian Premier League club. The tone was direct, practical, and built for real locker rooms.
Good to Know
IBIA and PFA Canada took a hands-on approach again, focusing on in-person sessions instead of classroom-style lectures. Educators leaned on real scenarios and encouraged open conversations about the growing link between betting markets and fixing attempts. Players learned how fast a career can shift if they misjudge a situation or trust the wrong person.
IBIA anchored the programme around the 3Rs model, a structure designed to give players quick clarity on what matters most. The emphasis fell on understanding rules around betting, learning personal responsibility, and knowing the right channels to report anything suspicious.
Cavalry FC captain and PFA Canada president Marco Carducci put the message plainly:
“With the growth of sports betting across Canada, this training has progressed PFA Canada goal of supporting athletes and keeping integrity and fairness at the heart of our sport.”
The league saw more pressure from betting markets over the last few seasons, and many clubs now treat integrity talks the same way they treat fitness meetings. The programme helped staff reinforce those habits.
IBIA CEO Khalid Ali underlined the purpose of the initiative, stating:
“Preventing sports betting-related match-fixing starts with educating the athletes and coaches. Through collaborative campaigns, industry funded initiatives and unique face-to-face training, IBIA is setting the global standard for athlete education on betting integrity, in line with our Mission 2030 strategy. Alongside regulation and monitoring, it is very important that player education is placed at the heart of a maturing Canadian sports betting integrity ecosystem. We’re pleased to see this programme delivering real impact. Everyone benefits when sports are clean.”
Why Technology and Reporting Matter
As part of the sessions, players received an inside look at integrity monitoring technology used around the world. Educators walked them through how betting patterns get tracked, how alerts are processed, and why even small irregularities can draw attention.
Athletes also learned how to use the red button app, which offers a safe and confidential channel to report concerns involving corrupters or criminal approaches.
Vancouver FC captain Callum Irving said the message landed clearly:
“The IBIA sports integrity training was super informative for our players, providing essential information on the rules of sports betting, the consequences of being involved, and ways to report any illegal activity. Resources like the IBIA are beyond integral to safeguarding our sport and locker rooms from sports betting-related match-fixing.”
The training falls under a CA$300,000, three-year investment backed by IBIA members bet365, Betway and FanDuel. The funding covers free in-person education for athletes and clubs nationwide, giving organisations consistent access to integrity resources as betting activity expands across Canada.
The partnership with PFA Canada will run again in 2026. IBIA education ambassador Jean-Francois Reymond welcomed the continued collaboration, noting:
“PFA Canada is the perfect partner and we are delighted our collaboration will continue in 2026. As representatives of the players, and with a mission to protect them, they were able to build the atmosphere of trust and openness necessary to discuss what can be a challenging topic for many professional athletes. We look forward to partnering with additional sporting organisations as we help safeguard the integrity of Canadian sport and the careers of Canada athletes.”