The prevalence of match-fixing around the globe means that currently there are up to 50 active national investigations. In accordance with article 136 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, in the case of serious infringements, including unlawfully influencing match results, member associations, confederations and other organising sports bodies are obligated to contact FIFA to request the extension of the sanctions they have imposed, so as to have a worldwide effect.
In accordance with article 78 paragraph 1(c) and article 136ff of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, upon request of the respective associations, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Marcel Mathier (Switzerland), has decided to extend the sanctions worldwide, based on the content of current decisions of two member associations. (article 140 paragraph 2)
Turkey
Since the conclusion of last season’s championship, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has opened a vast investigation into alleged match-fixing and betting on matches played in the Turkish national championship. These cases are currently pending in front of the TFF’s Disciplinary Committee. Furthermore, following the ‘Bochum case’, the TFF’s Disciplinary Committee and Appeal Committee found numerous individuals, including amateur and professional players, coaches, club and match officials guilty, imposing a range of sanctions from a one-year suspension to a lifetime ban.
At present, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has already extended to have worldwide effect 24 sanctions for match-fixing and betting as follows: six lifetime bans; four bans of three years; two bans of two-and-a-half years; six bans of two years; and six further bans of one year.
Finland
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, also at present, has extended two sanctions imposed by the Football Association of Finland (FAF) to have worldwide effect. The FAF undertook an important investigation into match-fixing and imposed numerous sanctions on players and officials. The FAF suspended two players from all national football activities for two years as of 6 April 2011, on 31 January 2012.
Following the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke today said: “FIFA’s commitment to tackling match-fixing is unwavering. The decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee demonstrate our determination to protect the foundation of sport and fair play, showing zero tolerance to those who do not share FIFA’s ethos. We hope these decisions send a clear message around the world. If you do not play by the rules, you will be punished.”
