PORT LOUIS: World football officials have demanded greater support from governments and police for the ongoing fight against worldwide matchfixing writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

The issue was picked out as the greatest threat to the worldwide credibility of football by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, supported by David Subir of the Bermuda FA who is a member of the stadium and security committee.

A FIFA Congress resolution to support the fight against matchfixing and match manipulation was approved by 203 in favour, one vote against and three abstentions.

Subir warned delegates that “no one is immune to the menace of manipulation” and that the opportunity for easy profit and money-laundering attracted organised crime.

A serious hindrance to the fight was the fact that, in many countries, matchfixing was not illegal.

Earlier Blatter, appealing for governmental and security service support, said: “There is no greater threat to the future of football than match manipulation. The essence of our game is the uncertainty of results and here we are facing situations where we need help.

“We cannot fight alone in the football family. We need the help of the public authorities, the police, everywhere.”

The importance of such full support, including a dedication hotline, was crucial because many players, coaches and referees were reluctant to speak up for personal reasons.

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