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IFs Could Be on the Hook as Swiss Government Considers Tightening up Sports Corruption Laws

Various - 08 Nov 2012 - The Swiss government could tighten laws against corruption in sport, including amending legislation which would make the many international sports federations based in the country subject to Swiss criminal law.

The possible move follows a report that measures presently taken by international federations are insufficient.

The government said: “Sport has to take more robust action against corruption in its own ranks. What is at stake is not just sport’s integrity but also Switzerland’s reputation as the home to numerous international sports associations.”

It is thought that the measures could apply to match-fixing and other forms of cheating in sport, including doping.

The move follows allegations of bribery among officials of Zurich-based Fifa, soccer’s world governing body, during bidding to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The report said that harmonised and binding systems of good governance are needed at all levels of organised sport.

Fifa said in response: “The complexity of the problems inherent in fighting corruption and match-fixing calls for systematic self-regulation as well as state measures. Fifa recognises the need for action at state level and is pleased to note that the measures it has implemented as part of its reform process are mentioned in the report as a milestone.”

Sepp Blatter, Fifa’s president, added: “I am delighted that the Federal Council has approved the relevant measures relating to the reform process. This acknowledgement and the report by the Council of States Committee show that we are heading in the right direction and will motivate us further to see the process through to its conclusion at the 2013 Fifa Congress.

"Both Fifa and I remain fully committed to this reform process. FIFA is convinced that by working with national and international bodies, we can win the battle against corruption and match-fixing.”

Sportcal