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.