FFA back National Integrity of Sport Unit

Football Federation Australia has welcomed Minister for Sport Kate Lundy’s announcement of the National Integrity of Sport Unit.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has welcomed Minister for Sport Kate Lundy-s announcement of the National Integrity of Sport Unit.

The announcement to protect the integrity of sport has the full support of the FFA and is seen as a positive step for all sports to maintain their transparency and integrity.

“The FFA fully supports the creation of the NISU and will continue its work to ensure match-fixing has zero impact on our game in Australia,” said Head of A-League Damien de Bohun.

“Our Code of Conduct contains strong provisions relating to gambling and as a governing body we have processes in place to ensure athletes receive education on the perils of gambling and issues relating to match-fixing.

“FFA is a member of the Coalition of Major Professional & Participation Sports (COMPPS); ensuring match-fixing does not seep into sport is an important issue and one we are ardent in our support.”

The NISU will: - Work with NSOs to ensure they have the systems in place to monitor and report on activities of their players and officials; - Develop education programs with NSOs to prevent match-fixing; - Work with State regulators to implement a national approach to regulation and ensure there are no ‘safe havens- for criminals to exploit with lower levels of accountability; - Work with Australia-s justice agencies and law enforcement agencies to ensure nationally consistent criminal legislation; - Develop an industry standard for information exchange with the sports betting industry; and - Ensure a rapid, nationally coordinated response when instances of irregular betting are detected.

A NISU website has been established as a resource to assist key stakeholders and sporting organisation access information including integrity tools, education, contacts and research. For more information visit www.nisu.sport.gov.au