Brussels, 14/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution adopted on Thursday 14 March, MEPs call on the member states to strengthen their effort against corruption in sport, in particular by putting common sanctions in place against match-fixing.
Drawn up by the EPP, S&D, Greens/EFA, ALDE and ECR Groups, the resolution calls on the member states “set up national bodies to improve coordination and information exchange”, a Parliament press release states. The access of national authorities to the identity of people involved in corruption cases should be supported, for example - so as to prevent them shifting their illegal business to another EU country. Member states are also asked to set up “joint investigation units to take out illegal and anonymous betting websites across the EU”.
The European Commission - which addressed the issue last October in its action plan on online gaming and betting (see EUROPE 10716) - would do well to tackle “Asian betting havens” and to strengthen its collaboration with third countries, the resolution states. A code of conduct applicable to all players, referees and technical staff would also be welcome, as would measures for the protection of under 18-year-olds. This non-binding Parliament resolution is a contribution to the specific future recommendation that the European Commission will adopt this year. (SP/transl.fl)