Integrity: workshop on the dangers of match-fixing for the Under-19s

In line with the new continental approach to educating youth national teams on combine and match-fixing, which from this year is delivered by the relevant federation’s Integrity Officer rather than jointly during the European Qualifying mini-tournaments, the San Marino Under-19 national team took part in a workshop at the Acquaviva Stadium on 7 October last. San Marino’s Integrity Officer, lawyer Massimiliano Rosti, outlined and explained in detail to the young Biancazzurri all the dangerous dynamics underlying practices of combine and match-fixing. This phenomenon, which is becoming increasingly entrenched, is the focus of attention for the highest sporting and investigative bodies in Europe, which for some time now have been acting in concert to defend the integrity of sport and counter criminal organisations – very often the driving force behind this corrupting process. The young Biancazzurri were thus able to familiarise themselves with the legal provisions, both in sporting and criminal terms. In addition, Rosti illustrated the mandatory reporting procedures to be followed in the event of incidents – even only suspected ones – that may threaten the integrity of football competitions. It is worth recalling that this is the only offence for which substantial sanctions are also applied in cases of failure to report. In practice, this places responsibility on any witnesses or recipients of illicit approaches, even if they refuse the offer.

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