Interpol has suspended a £14million anti-match-fixing programme
with Fifa over allegations of corruption.
The international police
agency is freezing the money donated by Fifa in 2011.
The ‘Integrity in Sport’
programme was intended to combat match-fixing and illegal gambling.
Fifa is being investigated
by US and Swiss authorities for alleged bribery and corruption.
‘In light of the current
context surrounding Fifa, while Interpol is still committed to developing our
Integrity in Sports programme, I have decided to suspend the agreement,’
Juergen Stock, the head of Interpol, said.
‘All external partners,
whether public or private, must share the fundamental values and principles of
the organisation, as well as those of the wider law enforcement community.
‘The agreement between Interpol and Fifa stated that the football
body must be compatible with the principles, aims and activities of Interpol.’
A Fifa spokesperson told
the BBC that the organisation was disappointed with the decision.
‘The success and
importance of this programme cannot be understated.
‘Our co-operation over the
past four years has been a key part of addressing the transnational problem of
match-fixing.
‘This successful programme
is unrelated to the current issues surrounding Fifa and we believe that this
unilateral decision will negatively impact the fight against criminal
activity.’
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