Match-fixing: Massimiliano Rosti and Gabriele Gatti in Gibraltar

The UEFA Regional Workshop on match-fixing was held in Gibraltar, open not only to the Integrity Officers of the various participating football associations, but also to heads of national law enforcement agencies – reflecting an ever closer synergy aimed at countering potential episodes of match-fixing in football, which in many jurisdictions are classified as criminal offences. Representing the Republic of San Marino, in their respective roles, were lawyer Massimiliano Rosti (Integrity Officer, FSGC) and Captain Gabriele Gatti (San Marino Gendarmerie Corps). Proceedings were opened on the morning of Tuesday 12 March by Gibraltar’s Minister for Sport, Leslie Bruzon. The important event was co-organised with the host Football Association, which welcomed participants through its General Secretary, Ivan Robba. UEFA’s expert on countering match-fixing, Stephanie Eichenberger, then effectively launched an initial discussion involving all those present. After that, the workshop moved into the specific topics on the programme. The starting point was investigative leads, evidential analysis in match-fixing cases and the latest trends linked to such fraudulent activities. These themes were explored in depth by Angela Celestino and Massimiliano Michenzi – respectively UEFA Intelligence Manager and Integrity Investigator. There was also an in-depth look at concrete cases, such as Operation Conifera, which led to the arrest of 23 members of an alleged betting network – including some players – suspected of manipulating football matches organised by the federations of Spain, Gibraltar and Andorra. The joint action of the football associations involved, together with UEFA, Europol and the Spanish police, ensured the successful outcome of the operation. Late in the morning, attention turned to investigative methods – both in disciplinary and criminal contexts – relating to match-fixing, encouraging participants to share their daily challenges and to compare their own realities with those of their European counterparts. After lunch, the focus shifted to the case of Kynan Isaac, a former player banned for proven involvement in match-fixing – including in the FA Cup. How the English Football Association handled the matter was outlined in detail by Terik Shamel, the FA’s Head of Integrity. The final two sessions, led by David Benford and split between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, dealt with the topic of investigative interviews, starting from an analysis of the past experiences of the Integrity Officers and law enforcement officials in attendance.

---