The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organisation, are to increase their efforts in a joint bid to protect sports from corruption such as match-fixing.
IOC president Thomas Bach and Interpol secretary general Roland Noble met earlier this week to discuss a number of issues related to match-fixing, protecting and promoting sports integrity.
The discussions included the need for action in governance, regulatory enforcement, training and raising awareness.
The meeting comes after the IOC and Interpol in February signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the collaboration between the two organisations.
Under the MoU, Interpol has been working with the IOC to identify and address issues impacting the security and integrity of sports competitions, particularly during the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games.
“Building on the close collaboration between Interpol and the IOC is crucial to turning back crime threatening the integrity of sport,” Noble said.
“Wider global law enforcement support will also help ensure that fans, competitors and officials can safely enjoy international sports events.
“Our joint action against threats such as illegal and irregular betting will help underpin confidence in fair play by the public and all those who have a stake in keeping sports clean and safe.”
Bach said that protecting clean athletes from all forms of corruption and manipulation remains the IOC’s main priority.
Bach added: “Our increased collaboration with Interpol serves to safeguard the integrity of sport.
“We are very satisfied with the determination being demonstrated by Interpol to team up with the IOC in this fight for the clean athletes.”
Separate from the IOC agreement, Interpol also has a partnership in place with the Organising Committee for the 2016 summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Under this agreement, which was signed in October 2013, Interpol will provide additional support to Brazilian authorities to ensure safety and security at the end event by deploying a Major Events Support Team to the country.
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
