FIFA President warns players against violating betting rules

With the upcoming Olympic Games and two major international football tournaments, FIFA President Gianni Infantino used an event in honour of Pelé to remind players to "honour the game". He made the association's position on betting offences clear. Misdemeanours would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

In a recent statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued an urgent warning to football players worldwide against violating the association's strict betting rules. The guidelines are designed to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure that the game remains free from any form of manipulation.

FIFA rules strictly prohibit footballers, as well as coaches, officials and others involved, from betting on matches in which they are involved or in which they could have a direct or indirect influence. These measures are intended to prevent the outcome of matches being influenced by outside interests, which would jeopardise the confidence of fans and the fairness of the competition. Breaches of these betting rules can lead to severe sanctions, including lengthy suspensions, fines and, in the worst case, the termination of the careers of the individuals concerned.

As such offences became known just a few weeks ago, the number of investigations is generally increasing and certain incidents have also recently been recorded in other sports, the FIFA President has now reaffirmed the importance of the regulations. He called on the professionals to adhere strictly to the regulations. Sanctions would be enforced rigorously if necessary.

Infantino's statement is no coincidence, but relates to the "Lucas Paquetá" case

On 15 June, Gianni Infantino said in Paris that FIFA would not tolerate players breaking the organisation's betting rules. His comments came a day after the opening of the UEFA European Championship 2024 and less than a week before the start of the Copa America.

Infantino told Games Magazine Brasil: "The players know that of course they shouldn't bet. That applies to football, to rugby, to any sport. If something happens, of course there are investigations and very serious, very strict decisions are taken in relation to betting. Also in football, at all levels, including amateur sport."

Infantino's comments came in response to questions about Brazilian international and West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá. The English Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into Paquetá for possible betting offences. This concerns several matches in 2022 and 2023 in the English Premier League. As reported by ESPN, among others, the FA's charge states that Paquetá was intent on "influencing the course, conduct or any other aspect of the matches by deliberately attempting to obtain a card from the referee in order to influence the betting market so that one or more persons could profit from such tips."

The matches in question were against Leicester City on 12 November 2022, Aston Villa on 12 March 2023, Leeds United on 21 May 2023 and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.

In an Instagram post, Paquetá said of the matter:

"I am very surprised and upset that the FA have decided to charge me. I have co-operated with every step of the investigation and provided all the information I could. I reject the allegations in full and will fight tooth and nail to clear my name. I will have no further comment."

West Ham also acknowledged the allegations in a statement:

"The club will stand by and support the player throughout the process and will have no further comment until the matter is concluded."

In general, there has recently been an increase in suspected and proven offences relating to betting offences or betting fraud

Sports betting offences and outright fraud have been a hot topic in recent months, particularly in the USA. In the NBA and Major League Baseball (MLB), there have even been lifetime bans in each case.

We also recently reported on Toronto Raptors professional Jontay Porter, who was banned for life from the NBA for betting on basketball games, passing on critical information to bettors and apparently even manipulating matches. The authorities have launched a criminal investigation. One of the people behind the offence has been arrested and others are being investigated. The matter was discussed in the media not only because of the offence, but also with regard to the possible involvement of the league's strong sports betting orientation.

At the beginning of June, the MLB issued a suspension against Tucupita Marcano of the San Diego Padres: Tucupita bet on his own team. According to information from Bild, Marcano bet a total of 150,000 dollars when he was still playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In addition to his team, games of other teams were also included in the selection. However, the tips on 25 Pirates games were his undoing. The MLB sees this as a clear violation of its betting rules. Tucupita was not even in the squad for the matches in question due to injury.

On Friday, 14 June, MLB announced that it had also penalised umpire Pat Hoberg for a violation of the league's sports betting rules. Hoberg has appealed the decision.

There are also other recent cases in football. For example, the US Major League Soccer suspended the player Felipe Hernandez from Sporting KC on 14 June due to possible gambling offences. He is said to have repeatedly violated the league's gambling guidelines. FC Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight matches in May 2023 for betting offences. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban in October 2023 for betting in the Italian league while still playing in Italy.

Conclusion

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