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“PLAY IT STRAIGHT” Integrity Session at Referees seminar

Published: 10-08-2016 09:55
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An Integrity session was  included during this year’s Match Officials and Observers pre- season seminar held at a leading hotel in St. Julian’s at the end of last week. The Malta FA’s ongoing educational campaign is ever present at events where the message to fight match-fixing requires further exposure. Every opportunity is taken to spread the word, in fact the association offers its assistance to all clubs and organizations who wish to understand and avoid their involvement in football’s worse scam hitting football in the last two decades.  Although the impression of match-fixing is isolated to the players on the pitch, it is important to demonstrate that referees are vital for a smooth transition of a football match and may also be targeted by fixers. It was on these lines that Malta FA’s Integrity Officer, Franz Tabone based his “Play it Straight” lecture pointing out the dangers which match officials may encounter on and off the field of play. Real life episodes were highlighted and clearly explained how corruption may be instigated and executed by the individuals participating in a sporting event. Regulations and Criminal Law were dwelt upon explaining the responsibility of officials and players to report any corruption approaches which they may unfortunately come across during their everyday life. The sanctions associated with lack of disclosure were also clearly explained and the repercussions resulting from non-observance of the rules.  The ultimate responsibility lies on all those associated with the game and also those outside it, to report any bribery attempts leading to the manipulation of football matches. The Association will be further strengthening its approach to fight match-fixing and will also be launching a new Integrity Tour for Premier division clubs before the end of the year.