FIFA president declares war on illegal betting in world football

“We cannot allow illegal betting to corrupt our game. FIFA will be relentless in its fight against any form of manipulation,” Infantino said. His statement comes at a critical time, with several recent cases of players involved in betting scandals shaking the football world.

Infantino stressed that sanctions will be severe for those involved in illegal betting activities. “Players who engage in these practices will face lengthy bans and possible legal action. We must protect the integrity of our sport,” added the FIFA president.

FIFA has been working in collaboration with national federations and international bodies to monitor and prevent match manipulation. The use of advanced technology and cooperation with security agencies have been key in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for these illegal activities.

Infantino's announcement has been welcomed by the football community, although some players and coaches have expressed concerns about the implementation of these policies. “It is essential to have clear and fair rules, but we must also ensure that players have access to education and resources to avoid falling into these traps,” commented a representative of FIFPro, the global footballers' association.

FIFA also plans to launch a global educational campaign to raise awareness among players, coaches and technical staff about the risks and consequences of illegal betting. “Prevention is as important as punishment. We must ensure that everyone understands the dangers and implications of participating in these activities,” Infantino said.

This move by FIFA comes in a context of growing concern about the influence of betting on sport. In countries such as Brazil and Spain, match-rigging scandals have led to extensive investigations and the implementation of new regulations to combat the problem.