DOHA: The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and Qatar Stars League (QSL) have today signed a sport integrity partnership designed to prevent match fixing of football in Qatar.

Announced at ASPIRE4SPORT 2013, the ‘Sport Integrity Best Practice’ partnership will see the ICSS and QSL collaborate to monitor matches in the 2^nd leg of the 2013/14 QSL season and the Heir Apparent Cup. The agreement will include the introduction of vulnerable match-alert and suspicious match-reporting systems as well as a range of seminars and workshops to educate and instil best practice in appreciating, resisting, preventing and responding to match fixing.

With its international expertise and knowledge, the ICSS will offer advice on areas of due diligence and match investigations and offer on-demand fit and proper persons testing for match agents and competition business propositions.

ICSS dedicated staff will support the QSL to advise on the further development of QSL regulations and the set-up of preventative disciplinary measures for combatting match fixing.

Mohammed Hanzab, President of the ICSS, said: “Like many professional leagues around the world, the QSL is concerned about the prevention of corruption in sport. I commend the QSL for their commitment to the development of integrity programmes aimed at tackling match fixing – this new partnership is an exciting initiative for Qatari football and the ICSS is honoured to support and join forces with the QSL.

With a host of major international football competitions taking place over the next 12 months, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, this a crucial time for the international football family. As part of the ICSS’s ongoing focus across the issue of match fixing, our team of leading integrity practitioners is dedicated to developing new solutions that will create a brighter and fairer future for football and for sport in general.

Hani Ballan, Deputy CEO of the QSL, said: “Match fixing is a subject the international football community is working hard to stamp out once and for all. This is an issue which the Qatar Stars League will never become complacent over. We are joining forces with the world-renowned authority on the matter and are proud to demonstrate we treat the running of our professional game with integrity and transparency. I am proud the QSL has entered into a partnership with the ICSS.

The agreement proves the commitment of the league to combat a problem that has spread all around the world. We are aware of this and we must face up to doing what is right to prevent future problems. The QSL is extremely committed to working with the experts in the field of sports security. We will work hard to assist and learn from the ICSS and demonstrate that sport security is a priority of the QSL.”

 

-ENDS-

 

NOTE TO EDITORS:

 

Please find attached a low resolution image of [from Left to Right] HE Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Football Association and Chairman of Qatar Stars League, and ICSS President, Mohammed Hanzab. A high resolution image is available upon request.

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS)

The ICSS is an international, independent and non-profit organisation. With an aim to improve security, safety and integrity throughout the world of sport; the ICSS works with governments, federations, clubs, leagues and event organisers. The organisation provides expertise, services and global knowledge – advising on event and venue safety, strategic security and investigations into corruption in sport.

 

For more details please visit: www.theicss.org

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Karen Webb, Director of Communications, ICSS

karen.webbmoss@theicss.org
M: +974 7070 6306

 

Will Shand, Vero

wshand@verocom.co.uk

M: +44 77 52 73 1548

 

2 attachments — Download all attachments   View all images   Share all images