FIFA just made a HUGE donation to INTERPOL to support efforts to combat match-fixing and illegal betting in soccer. The donation, which was in the amount of 20 million euros, will be used to set up an anti-corruption training wing in the new global complex in Singapore, discussed here back in March.
Wow. This is a massive gesture to fight what may seem like a harmless pastime. Not so, says INTERPOL. Secretary General Ronald Noble pointed out that illegal betting and match fixing frequently leads to intimidating debt collection practices, violence, drug smuggling and prostitution. If this is correct, we can expect to see an increase in Red Notices as the efforts to fight these crimes are increased.
However, as Al Jazeera reports, not everyone agrees that the donation was appropriate. The decision to make the donation was made by the current president of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, but was roundly criticized by FIFA presidential candidate Mohammed bin Hamman. He argued that the donation was made without consulting the governing body of FIFA, which only contributes to the organization’s image of being corrupt.
Regardless of how the donation was made, or its propriety, INTERPOL certainly stands to benefit greatly from the contribution, which is the largest one ever made by a private organization.
As always, comments and thoughts are welcomed.