INTERPOL and IOC Chiefs meet to develop joint action on sports integrity

9 septembre 2014

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach have met at IOC headquarters as part of joint efforts by the two organizations to protect sports from corruption.
 
With the threat of match-fixing, as well as illegal and irregular betting, on the agenda, discussions on protecting and promoting sports integrity included the need for action in governance, regulatory enforcement, training and awareness raising.
 
The meeting follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Secretary General Noble and President Bach in January of this year enhancing collaboration between the two organizations.
 
Under the terms of the Memorandum, INTERPOL will work with the IOC to identify and address issues affecting the security and integrity of sports competitions – including doping, match-fixing, illegal or irregular betting, and attempted corruption of match officials and players – particularly during the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games.
 
“Building on the close collaboration between INTERPOL and the International Olympic Committee is crucial to turning back crime threatening the integrity of sport. Wider global law enforcement support will also help ensure that fans, competitors and officials can safely enjoy international sports events,” said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.
 
“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,” added Secretary General Noble.

Joint efforts to protect sports from corruption was the focus of a meeting at IOC headquarters between INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble (left) and IOC President Thomas Bach.
IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper (left) with Secretary General Noble.
INTERPOL’s Turn Back Crime campaign aims to raise awareness about the organized, transnational criminal networks behind various crimes that can affect the general public on a day-to-day level.
The INTERPOL and IOC Chiefs met following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Secretary General Noble and President Bach in January of this year enhancing collaboration between the two organizations.
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“Protecting the clean athletes from all forms of corruption and manipulation is our top priority,” said President Bach. “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. Together we continue to call on all governments, police authorities and betting regulators to join us.”
 
Under a separate agreement with the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee signed in October 2013, the world police body will provide additional support to the Brazilian authorities in ensuring the safety and security of the event by deploying an INTERPOL Major Events Support Team to Brazil.

INTERPOL created its Integrity in Sport Unit in 2011 as part of a 10-year venture with FIFA against match-fixing and illegal and irregular betting across the globe.
 
Since 2007, a series of INTERPOL-coordinated operations targeting illegal soccer gambling networks across Asia has seen five SOGA operations – short for soccer gambling – result in more than 8,400 arrests, the seizure of almost USD 40 million in cash and the closure of some 3,400 illegal gambling dens handling almost USD 5.7 billion worth of bets.