Set up 'interpol' match-fixers, says AFC

Set up 'interpol' match-fixers, says AFC

Kuala Lumpur (Reuter): The head of the Asian Soccer Federation
(AFC) called yesterday for the creation of an Interpol-style
agency to stamp out match-fixing which he said was rife in South
East Asia.

"This sick phenonmenon is threatening the sport that we love
and radical measures are the only thing that will safeguard the
game," said AFC president Sultan Ahmad Shah.

He said the regional body should set up an agency, modelled on
Interpol, to beat bookmakers who seek to control matches by
bribing players and officials.

It is estimated betting syndicates in Asia take up to US$500
million a year. Match-fixing has virtually destroyed soccer in
Indonesia and threatens its future in Thailand, Malaysia,
Singapore and Brunei.

The problem recently gained worldwide prominence through
allegations in Britain that an Asian betting syndicate paid
Southampton and former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar to
ensure certain match results.

The Zimbabwe international fiercely denies the charges.

The Sultan said his proposed agency would be made up of top
football officials from the countries involved and
representatives from each national police and anti-corruption
force.

"It would meet as often as was deemed necessary to ensure
success," said the Sultan, who is also president of the Football
Association of Malaysia.

The plan is likely to be adopted by the policy-making
executive committee, which meets next Wednesday.