Interpol has agreed to help FIFA set up an international taskforce to help tackle the illegal betting scourge that has rocked football, president Sepp Blatter said on Wednesday. The international police organisation has become involved after reports that the cash-rich world of European football was harbouring an organised criminal gang.
It has apparently made millions of euros by betting in Asian markets on the outcomes of matches they helped to decide. "I have been assured by Interpol, strongly assured, that it will help create an international taskforce against illegal betting in sports, and football in particular," said Blatter.
In November, police raided addresses across Europe, smashing what they believe was a 200-strong band that bribed players, referees and coaches in nine countries. Around 200 games played this season in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Turkey, Hungary, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Austria are under suspicion. While none of the matches were in top flight European leagues like England's Premier League and Italy's Serie A, UEFA revealed that some Champions League qualification matches and from this season's Europa League were being probed.
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