EU to partner betting industry in education campaign
News on 21 Nov 2012
News on 21 Nov 2012
The European Commission will co-finance an educational campaign targeting professional sportspeople on the risks linked to match fixing.
The programme will run with the financial support and partnership of the European online betting industry.
The EU funding will co-finance 46 percent of a total budget of Euro 500 000 for the project that will allow the European online betting industry and EU Athletes to significantly expand their existing campaign by targeting 15 000 young athletes in 13 countries and at least 10 different sports.
The other 54 percent will be covered by the EGBA, RGA and ESSA with respective contributions of 41 percent, 10 percent and 3 percent.
The campaign is scheduled to cover an 18 month period beginning January 1, 2013 and will now allow for an additional number of ex professional players to educate their peers through face to face meetings about the sports rules regarding betting and match fixing.
Sigrid Ligné, Secretary General of the EGBA and co founder of the initiative said: “The EGBA was a pioneer of this project back in 2010 with EU Athletes and as the main private financial partner we are delighted that the Commission’s co-funding is endorsing our work done over those last 2 years.”
Jeff Reymonds, Secretary General of EU Athletes, added: “The financing from the EU and the betting industry will allow the players’ associations to dramatically expand their education programmes all around Europe. Educating young players about the dangers of match fixing is a vital component in protecting sporting integrity and the support of our partners will make all the difference.”
Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive of the RGA added: “When the RGA and our members first funded the UK Professional Players Federation betting education programme in February 2010, it was a new concept, but one we felt could play a significant role in the fight against potential match fixing. With that experience we were glad to support the EU Athletes bid for funding so that comparable training will be made available across Europe.”
