UEFA Opens Match-Fixing Probe Into Turkish Clubs

UEFA, European football's governing body, has opened disciplinary proceedings against three big clubs from Turkey and Romania in relation to match-fixing allegations.

Three Clubs Investigated

Fenerbahce and Besiktas, two of Turkey's three biggest clubs, will both front up to UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body later this month. The latter will be familiar with the body, as it was banned from the 2011-12 Champions League and its president was jailed for six years over previous cases of match-fixing.

Fenerbahce is being investigated following a July 2012 civil trial in which 93 people - including club officials, coaches and players - were charged in a case which centered around its winning streak in 2011. Besiktas is being investigated over allegations relating to the 2011 Turkish Cup final.

In a separate case, Romanian club Steaua Bucharest will face UEFA in relation to admission criteria for participation in European tournaments.

Clamping Down on Corruption

The leading online sportsbook such as William Hill Sports, Ladbrokes, bet365 and 888 all play their part in clamping down on match-fixing, by cooperating with European and global sports bodies, regularly putting their betting systems to the scrutiny of independent auditors, and generally encouraging an atmosphere of responsible gambling.

Players can play their part in ensuring sport remains clean and free of corruption by heading to the aforementioned online sportsbooks and other certified and reputable betting outlets that have no involvement in the dark underworld of illegal betting.