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Ndumiso Gumede

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS have declared compliance to recommendations to combat match manipulation as stipulated by Fifa, saying players appended their signatures to the code of conduct.

In a report to all member associations, Fifa indicated that it is imperative for match manipulation to be taken seriously and ordered affiliates to adopt a zero tolerance to the scourge.

“It is specifically recommended that MAs (member associations) establish provisions in player contracts, in accordance with collective agreements, which include specific provisions on the sanctioning and potential contract cancellation if a player is sanctioned for violations related to match manipulation,” says Fifa in its report.

The report says upon signing a contract, the player must “read and sign” declaring that he shall: “Not take part in betting connected with football, not tolerate any form of manipulation, bribery or other attempted influence of results. Report any approach or other unlawful activity and confirm, by signature, his compliance with the Fifa Statutes, Code of Ethics, Disciplinary Code and Regulations Governing International Matches as well as to report any form of approach or knowledge of potential match manipulation.”

“As Highlanders, we want to believe that we are very compliant. Our players have it in their code of conduct. However, we also know that these betting syndicate issues do not take place overnight. The masterminds take their time working with those targeted and when they have established a strong bond, they then strike knowing that a ‘no’ will not be an option from their target,” said Bosso chief executive Ndumiso Gumede.

In its 25-page report, Fifa also urges member associations to establish a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) and initiate, through SPOC specific training programmes on education and prevention programmes related to combating match manipulation.

“Fifa and Interpol have established a joint project objective focused on training, education and prevention to train key stakeholders on how to ‘recognise, resist and report’ attempts to manipulate matches,” the Fifa report says.

Zimbabwe has been plagued by a fresh wave of match fixing that has also spilled across the border into South Africa.

Both countries have reacted swiftly to stem the tide by holding a joint Indaba between Zifa and the South African Football Association in Cape Town on Wednesday.

South Africa’s Absa Premier Soccer League has also set March 30 as the hearing date after laying charges against all players and officials mentioned in the unfolding scandal.