Interpol suspends FIFA anti-match-fixing programme over corruption allegations

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 12 June 2015

Interpol suspends its association with FIFA in a joint anti-match-fixing programme due to the allegations of widespread corruption.

Interpol has suspended an anti-match-fixing programme created jointly with FIFA due to the corruption allegations surrounding world football's governing body.

Fourteen people, including seven football officials, were arrested on suspicion of giving or accepting bribes of more than $100m (£65m) from the 1990s to the present day.

US and Swiss authorities are leading the investigation, which eventually forced president Sepp Blatter to announce his intention to resign earlier this month, just four days after the 79-year-old was re-elected for a fifth term.

Now, the international police agency has frozen the €20m (£14m) donated by FIFA in 2011 for the joint programme, which aims to tackle match-fixing and illegal betting in the game.

A statement from head of Interpol Juergen Stoke said: "In light of the current context surrounding FIFA, while Interpol is still committed to developing our Integrity in Sport programme, I have decided to suspend the agreement.

"All external partners, whether public or private, must share the fundamental values and principles of the organisation, as well as those of the wider law enforcement community.

"This successful programme is unrelated to the current issues surrounding Fifa and we believe that this unilateral decision will negatively impact the fight against criminal activity."

Blatter could remain in charge of the under-fire governing body for another six months as a new election is reportedly expected to be held on December 16.