Fight against match-fixing under the spotlight at FIFPro House

Law enforcement and sport stakeholders came together to share comprehensive research and discuss policies, challenges and solutions in the fight against match-fixing at the IntegriSport Next closing conference, held last Friday at the FIFPro House.

The Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) was represented by sports lawyer Dr Robert Dingli at Friday’s conference, the closing event of IntegriSport Next Erasmus+ co-ordinated by the CSCF Foundation for Sport Integrity.

A total of 11 European countries, including Malta, were involved across two editions of this project over the part four years with 700 overall participants taking part in the events.

“This conference allows us to have all partners and supporting partners to talk about their experiences, takeaways about the project, and how law enforcement and judiciary can efficiently investigate and address sports manipulation from different angles,” said CSCF Foundation for Sport Integrity Director Norbert Rubicsek. “It's not only about the athletes and organisations who represent athletes, it’s about all organisations who have anything to add in the fight against this phenomenon.”

FIFPRO Deputy General Secretary Simon Colosimo said: “Our job at FIFPRO is to represent the interests of players and – more than anything – make sure they have a safe working environment. That’s why two years ago we launched the Red Button app, which allows players to report match-fixing approaches safely. The success of the Red Button app is only possible with collaboration with national law enforcement agencies and governments.”

MFPA INITIATIVES

Locally, the MFPA is actively working not only to raise awareness about the complexities and perils of match-fixing but also to promote the use of the Red Button app among players based in Malta. The Red Button app is recognised locally by virtue of an agreement between the MFPA and the Malta Football Association.

The MFPA’s education and awareness programme comprises information sessions about issues related to integrity and match-fixing in football as well as guidance on how to use the Red Button app. These sessions are offered free of charge to clubs who are invited to express their interest by sending an email to info@maltafpa.com.