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AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifah (C) and QFA chief Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani interact with guests at the ICSS and QFA organised ‘Football Integrity and Security Summit’ yesterday.
The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) joined up with the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday to bring together leading figures from Asian football to move forward plans to ensure the highest levels of security, safety and integrity of football. |
Co-hosted by the ICSS, QFA and QSL, alongside the Josoor Institute, the ‘Football Integrity and Security Summit’ brought together over 70 top decision makers from around Qatar and Asia with the aim to raise awareness amongst clubs and associations about the importance of promoting integrity in football, as well as identifying practical steps that can be introduced to protect football against match-fixing, illegal betting and corruption. The summit also aimed to enhance knowledge and develop best practice in area of safety and security.
In particular, it was proposed that leading football associations, professional leagues and clubs around Asia implement key measures highlighted in the recently announced Sorbonne-ICSS Guiding Principles into Sport Integrity. Some of the recommended steps include: Encouraging a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling match-fixing, appointing an Integrity Officer, Committee, Unit or Platform within clubs and associations and improving intelligence and information sharing between football, governments and betting regulators and operators.
As part of the security aspect of the programme, the summit also featured a special presentation by Helmut Spahn (Executive Director, ICSS), which highlighted the German Bundesliga [DFL] as an example of best practice in the area of Event Safety and Security Management.
Commenting on the forum, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of QFA, said:
“As the governing football body in Qatar, QFA’s participation in this summit demonstrates the association’s commitment in ensuring a long term and sustainable solution to the issues of match-fixing and illegal betting that football faces today. Today’s forum seeks to protect the integrity of football throughout Asia and requires all national associations to address this problem within its legislative framework. This is a clear indication of our obligation to ensure football in Qatar is not manipulated and its integrity is sustained.
Hani Ballan, Deputy CEO of the Qatar Stars League, said: “The organisation of this conference reflects the unwavering commitment to contribute to the preservation of one of the most important human activities: sports.
“Qatar is becoming a well-known country for its commitment to ensuring the highest possible levels of security, safety and integrity of sport, which is in part thanks to the Qatari youth and the legacy achieved from hosting many international sports events during the past period.
“Establishing security and integrity programmes like those discussed today are crucial for the protection of the integrity of football, preventing manipulation before it happens and creating an appropriate environment for young footballers to grow and develop.”
Mohamed Hanzab, President of the ICSS, said: “Match-fixing is currently one of the biggest threats to football and this summit is a unique opportunity to develop real action against the issues of match-fixing and illegal betting in football. Following today, it is clear that safeguarding the integrity and safety and security of football is at the forefront of many leading clubs and associations around Qatar and Asia.
“As part of the aims of this event, the ICSS is proud to be working alongside the QFA, QSL and Josoor Institute across the areas of safety, security and integrity and I hope that this event will be an important moment that will ensure a safer, future for all those involved in Asian football.”
Mushtaq al-Waeli, acting executive Director for the Josoor Institute, also spoke on the occasion.
“We are honoured to be a part of this unique initiative by the QFA, QSL and ICSS that takes a lead on this important issue for sport regionally and globally,” he said.
“As a key player in the development of strong and healthy sports and events industries in Qatar and the region, the Josoor Institute strongly encourages this discussion and debate on the way forward here.”
