Fair Football in Action: CONMEBOL and IBIA Train Referees

CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, in collaboration with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), has launched an in-person integrity training program for referees, aimed at combating match-fixing and safeguarding the integrity of football competitions.

This season, more than 100 CONMEBOL referees are taking part in a practical, scenario-based program delivered by the Ethics, Compliance and Integrity Department. The training equips officials with tools to identify threats, respond proactively to manipulation attempts, and protect both their careers and the competitions they oversee.

The sessions are led by Jean-François Reymond, IBIA Education Ambassador, and cover topics such as criminal approaches, misuse of sensitive information, and betting regulations. Referees receive practical guidance, clear reporting channels, and a realistic understanding of how manipulation attempts occur, strengthening their role as defenders of football integrity.

As the betting market continues to grow in South America, this initiative underscores the shared responsibility of CONMEBOL and IBIA to foster a culture of integrity, prioritizing education and proactive prevention over reactive measures. "Match-fixing never starts with a headline; it begins quietly, through pressure, familiarity, and silence. Education breaks that cycle early, ensuring that those closest to the action are informed, alert, and supported," emphasized Graciela Garay, CONMEBOL Director of Ethics, Compliance and Integrity.

Jean-François Reymond added: "Referees are not just enforcers of the rules, they are guardians of the competition. Education provides them with clarity, confidence, and protection. When officials understand how manipulation works and how to respond, the space for match-fixing is dramatically reduced. We are very excited to work with CONMEBOL to build a long-term culture of integrity in football".

By embedding education within their broader integrity partnership, CONMEBOL and IBIA reaffirm that protecting football requires long-term commitment, shared responsibility, and continuous investment in awareness and resilience at all levels of the game. The program complements ongoing cooperation, including alerts on suspicious betting activity through IBIA's Global Monitoring and Alerts Platform (Global MAP) and enhanced collaboration via CONMEBOL's monitoring group.