UEFA approves establishment of integrity network

"In the countries where it has been possible to fight effectively against match-fixing, it has been possible only thanks to the support of the authorities. We cannot do this by ourselves as we are only a sports organisation. But what we can do is act very strongly. If you don't eradicate the cancer before it starts to grow, then it can become a danger, and we will not permit it to become a danger." UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino said according to Sportbusiness.com

In his opening speech, UEFA President Michel Platini urged governments in Europe to step up the fight aginst what he described as ‘the two great scourges ‘of football; violence and illegal betting.

"I have started meeting the heads of state and government of countries particularly affected by this problem," Platini said according to UK paper The Guardian. "It is important that their countries realise the seriousness of the situation and that they find a way to help us, you and their national associations."

At the congress, Platini was re-elected as UEFA President and he will head the body for another four-year term.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN and SPORTBUSINESS.COM