Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has enhanced its ability to tackle match fixing with PFA staff taking part in an extensive train the trainer anti match fixing course.
Held in Kuala Lumpur, the joint initiative between FIFPro (the world players’ association), FIFA and Interpol was aimed at equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and strategies to educate players and other stakeholders on the dangers of match fixing,
Attended by representatives from across Asia, PFA Player Relations Manager Simon Colosimo and Player Relations Executive Kathryn Gill took part in the course as the PFA looks to ensure all members are educated on match fixing.
“Match fixing is a global problem and is the biggest threat to the game. It requires a global solution and a genuine commitment from all stakeholders if it is to be adequately tackled,” said Colosimo. “The PFA is committed to ensuring that our members are educated on the issue and understand how to recognise, resist and report it to the appropriate authorities.
“The knowledge that was gained throughout the course will be invaluable as we look to roll out enhanced player education initiatives to our members, both at home and abroad.
“Match fixing and corruption doesn’t start with players – it ends with them. Players do not voluntarily become corrupted. In many instances, their rights have not been respected, they may have gone months without pay and they are often on the receiving end of extortion.
“The PFA fully endorses FIFPro’s eight-principle approach to match fixing. These include: training and education, the need for effective and tailor made regulations, good governance, sustaining strong independent players’ associations and ensuring that players are developed as people, with a broad perspective on life.
“The adoption of these principles by all stakeholders is fundamental if we are to ensure that the integrity of the game is not undermined by match fixing.”
