Deep concern over football corruption revelations

East Midlands Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin has noted with grave concern a report which lifts the lid on corruption and match-fixing in football.

The report, published today by the global union for professional players FIFPro, suggests that match-fixing is rife in Europe – especially in the south and east of the continent – while racism remains a major scourge.

Miss McClarkin, Conservative spokesman on sport and culture in the European Parliament, said: “This report should be a wake-up call for European football.

“If the game’s administrators thought that match-fixing and corruption from betting syndicates was a rare and insubstantial problem in the game, here is the evidence of its real threat.

The East Midlands MEP went on: “This shows that we have to be vigilant and work together to stamp this out. Integrity is vital to maintain the appeal of professional sport and the faith and trust of its supporters.

“This report concentrates on Europe, but in fact we are facing a global problem because the tentacles of the gaming syndicates are spread right around the world.”