FIFA approves new match-fixing reporting app

FIFPro and the Finnish player association created the Red Button app to anonymously report match-fixing, which FIFA's integrity department will examine.

FIFPro said the new tool, which will be added to FIFA's reporting systems like the FIFA Integrity tool, will encourage players who are afraid of repercussions to report transgressions. Red Button keeps the player's phone report-free.

“Safeguarding the integrity of football and ensuring that all participants can play in a safe environment is our top priority,” said Oliver Jaberg, FIFA deputy legal and compliance officer and director of integrity and anti-doping. “Working with stakeholders at all levels of football is key to Fifa’s approach to protecting football’s integrity and we look forward to collaborating with FIFPro on this new initiative.”

According to the Global Lottery Monitoring System, football accounts for approximately two thirds of suspicious betting warnings.

FIFPro legal director Roy Vermeer added: “With players facing disciplinary action for failing to report a match-fixing approach, there must be a way for them to do this without fear that they are putting themselves, their families, and their careers in danger. The Red Button software helps gamers manage this significant risk that, through no fault of their own, may arise at any time.”