FIFPro Match-Fixing App Gets Official FIFA Designation

FIFA has recently approved a new smartphone app that was developed by the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro), which will allow professional footballers to anonymously report match-fixing. The app was developed in order to provide a valid platform for the reporting of potential corruption in soccer.

The approval means that FIFA and its dedicated integrity department will be able to investigate confidential information submitted anonymously via the app. The app is wholly owned by FIFAPro and was developed in partnership with Finland's player association. Players will be able to use the app to report about any suspicious behavior or approaches made by potential match-fixers.

Often times, footballers are approached by members of organized crime to fix matches and they are scared to report. There has been much corruption in professional sports, as well as within FIFA itself, and this new app will help protect footballers, their careers, and their personal safety.

The app ensures that absolutely no trace of the reports is left on the players' smartphone, even with the most advanced hackers attempting to find the data. Players will be able to leave contact details for officials to reach out to them in confidence, but, the app also allows for entirely anonymous reporting. 

FIFA already has a couple of confidential reporting platforms, including the FIFA Integrity App and BKMS, as well as other methods available at both the national and international levels.

“Safeguarding the integrity of football and ensuring that all participants can play in a safe environment is a top priority for us,” Fifa’s deputy legal and compliance officer, Oliver Jaberg, commented.

“Working together with stakeholders at all levels of football is a key part of FIFA's approach to protecting the integrity of football and we look forward to collaborating with FIFPro on this new initiative.”

FIFPro’s legal director Roy Vermeer was thrilled over FIFA's support for the new app. “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,” Vermeer said.

“The Red Button app provides this facility and will help players manage this considerable risk that, through no fault of their own, might confront them at any time.”