A special task force will be set up to plan ways to overcome the new scourge of sport…. illegal betting and match fixing.

Move now against corruption in sport as a matter of urgency was the clear message echoing around the IOC Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland on Tuesday.

The President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr Jacques Rogge, chaired the meeting telling heavyweights from sport, government, the United Nations and Interpol, illegal betting and match fixing “is a very serious threat to society and sport”.

The Governments including Australia’s Federal Sports Minister, Mark Arbib, called for the introduction of a world body to fight illegal betting in sport.

“It is time to take a stand internationally,” Senator Arbib said.

Government representatives from China, Great Britain and France led a chorus calling for a “unified global approach as a matter of urgency to fight corruption”.

They were supported by Interpol. The Secretary-General, Ron Noble, said: “We must act now. The stakes are getting higher. A collective commitment is needed or fair play in sport will disappear.”

He said illegal betting had exploded, "it is global, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not having harmonised policies leads to organised crime,” he said.

The meeting heard illegal betting is generating US $140 billion a year. Noble warned no sport is immune. He told how sumo wrestling had been hit by match fixing and a competition had to be cancelled.

The United Nations also favoured the global approach. Dimitry Vlassis from the UN office on drugs and crime said “a true partnership needs to be put in place, you have our full commitment”.

AOC President John Coates supports the need for harmonised policies worldwide. While the working party formulated in Switzerland prepares its strategy Senator Arbib will press ahead with plans to tackle illegal betting in Australia.

Coates supports the creation of a national betting agency, an independent body with the support of federal police who can tap phones. He believes the body should also have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence.

He says the major sports should not investigate their own athletes involved in illegal betting or match fixing.

“We need uniform criminal laws and specialised officers to conduct the investigations. We need Government help, the alarm bells are ringing,” Coates said.

Senator Arbib said the states had already agreed to a National code of conduct and jail terms were likely for people involved in corrupt activities. He said Australia was keen to play a continued role on the IOC's working party.

Mike Tancred in Lausanne
AOC