SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Both the English FA and the Scottish FA have announced the signing of betting integrity memorandum of understandings (MoU) with William Hill to safeguard the sport.
The two separate MoU’s cover all professional football events and associated governing bodies within England and Scotland, and within the jurisdiction of both FA’s.
William Hill will exchange information with the two individual governing bodies related to suspected betting irregularities in their respective countries. The information exchange agreements includes issues such as match fixing and insider betting on all events under the jurisdiction of the two governing bodies.
The MoU’s are a welcome boost to the integrity of the sport on the eve of the new seasons in both England and Scotland.
Peter McLaughlin, Scottish FA Security and Integrity Officer stated: “The Scottish FA is committed to keeping the national game clean in the face of the growing global challenges of match-fixing and other integrity related issues.
“We work continually with our clubs and other stakeholders in the game to remain vigilant and co-ordinated in our approach. This is facilitated via the multi-agency Integrity Taskforce, with representation from the Scottish FA, SPFL, FiFPro, PFA Scotland, Managers & Coaches Association, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service [COPFS].
“Indeed, the group met earlier this week to discuss trends and incidents that happen across Europe, to ensure we remain alive to new and existing threats. Today’s announcement is another example of working together with our sponsors and partners.
“This MoU will enable us to work proactively and share information to protect the integrity and reputation of Scottish football.”
Bill South, Director of Security and Community Affairs at William Hill said of the agreement: “We are proud of our association with Scottish football and we are committed to helping the Scottish FA safeguard the integrity of the game in Scotland. This MoU sends out a zero tolerance message to people contemplating contravening the Scottish FA’s rules on betting and match fixing.”
