Former FIFA head of security Chris Eaton said that football "needs a global body to deal with match-fixing because the game is in 'crisis,'" according to the BBC. Eaton said a "global intelligence system" would see information "shared more easily and action taken quicker." Eaton: "Football is in crisis, undoubtedly in lower leagues. It doesn't mean it will always be in the lower leagues or that it is not going to return to international friendlies or competitions." This month, Singapore and Australian police -- in two separate investigations -- "have made arrests relating to match-fixing." However, while Eaton, who is now Int'l Centre for Sports Security CEO, believes the arrests in Singapore and Australia are "very significant," he said that "there is more to do" (BBC, 9/19).
TAN ARRESTED: The AFP reported an alleged mastermind of a global football match-fixing syndicate "is among 14 people held in a crackdown in Singapore." Singaporean businessman Dan Tan is the "suspected leader" mentioned in a police statement announcing the arrests. Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble had previously called on Singapore to arrest Tan, who is wanted by Italian authorities over the "calcioscommesse" betting scandal. In May, Singapore police said Tan was "assisting investigators in Singapore." In the same month, he was charged in Hungary "over the alleged manipulation of 32 games in three countries." That development came after Europol in February said that a five-country probe "had identified 380 suspicious matches targeted by Singapore-based betting cartels, whose illegal activities stretched to players, referees and officials worldwide" (AFP, 9/19).
MORE MATCH-FIXING: THE STAR reported Malaysia club Johor Manager On Jabbar "has rubbished allegations that several of his players threw a match and welcomed investigations into the matter." His players "are alleged to have thrown away the Malaysia Cup Group A match against Sime Darby FC." Jabbar: "This is football ... we cannot always get the result that we want but to make allegations about my players being involved with bookies is uncalled for" (THE STAR, 9/19).
