INTERPOL and IOC extend sports integrity partnership
Organisations take “coordinated approach” to addressing match-fixing and corruption in sport
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the extension of its sports integrity partnership with INTERPOL until 2021.
Under the extended agreement both parties will expand their joint global training program, carrying out national and regional joint training sessions to help law enforcement and sporting organisations deal with the problem of match fixing.
During the first two years of the partnership, INTERPOL and the IOC conducted over 30 training events involving individuals from 46 different countries and training 1,100 attendees in conducting investigations into competition manipulation in sport.
Addressing the continuing problem of match-fixing, INTERPOL’s director of organized and emerging crime, Paul Stanfield said: “Despite national efforts to respond to competition manipulation, the solution lies through a coordinated approach, between the sports movement and law enforcement, at all levels.
“Our on-going partnership with the IOC sets the example of an effective strategic partnership at the international level.”
In addition to this, both organisations have published two training handbooks about protecting sport from match fixing and conducting fact-finding inquiries into breaches of sports integrity.
Pâquerette Girard Zappelli, IOC chief ethics and compliance officer said that protecting ‘clean’ athletes “from all forms of corruption and manipulation is our top priority.”
Zapelli added: “Our strong collaboration with INTERPOL serves to safeguard the integrity of sport. We are very satisfied with the outcomes of our partnership during the last three years and are looking forward to continuing our close teamwork with them.”