FIFA Steps Up Fight Against Match Manipulation

FIFA has reinforced its global efforts to protect the integrity of football by hosting a major gathering of integrity officials in Miami as part of the FIFA Global Integrity Programme (FGIP).

The onsite practical course brought together integrity officers from more than 85 FIFA Member Associations, marking a significant milestone in the second edition of the programme. Delivered in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the event forms part of FIFA’s long-term strategy to combat match manipulation by equipping national associations with advanced tools, knowledge and expertise.

Launched in March 2025, the FGIP is a comprehensive three-year initiative designed to address the evolving challenges posed by match manipulation. It aims to build a global network of practitioners through a structured programme offering “best-in-class” expertise from football law specialists, UNODC officials and anti-match manipulation experts.

The programme is tailored to three levels, Standard, Intermediate and Advanced, to reflect the different stages of development among Member Associations. The Miami session served as the onsite practical component for the Standard level, following a series of online lessons that provided foundational theoretical knowledge.

At this introductory level, participants focus on developing integrity strategies, understanding the legal and international frameworks surrounding match manipulation, and strengthening education, prevention, detection, whistleblowing mechanisms and sanctioning processes.

FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Emilio Garcia Silvero, underlined the ongoing threat posed by match manipulation and the importance of education in addressing it.

“Match manipulation is one of our main concerns. We have a long-term strategy dealing with it, but even in 2026 it remains a real problem at worldwide, regional and national levels,” he said. “That is why we are here: to share knowledge, information and tools with our integrity officers.”

He added that bringing together integrity officers from across the globe is a vital step in making football’s response more effective at domestic level.

Ronan O’Laoire, who leads the UN’s work on tackling corruption and economic crime in sport, highlighted the value of the partnership between FIFA and the UNODC.

“Working with FIFA and the UN together allows national criminal justice authorities and sports bodies to come together and understand that they can work collaboratively to tackle the threats sport faces, including match manipulation,” he said.

The Miami meeting reinforced the message that safeguarding football is a collective responsibility. By strengthening cooperation and providing specialised training, FIFA and the UNODC aim to ensure a safe and secure sporting environment for players, fans and stakeholders.

Further onsite courses under the FIFA Global Integrity Programme are scheduled to take place in Paris and Zurich as the initiative continues to expand its global reach.

_{Featured Image Credit: Unpslash / Jay Pics, Unsplash / Muhammad Usman}