Interpol suspends €20m ties with FIFA

Interpol has suspended a €20 million ‘sports integrity’ agreement with FIFA, amid the ongoing bribery allegations.
The international police organisation accepted the payment from FIFA in 2011 to support a 10-year programme aimed at combating match-rigging and illegal gambling.
But Interpol Secretary General, Jurgen Stock, said in a statement: “In light of the current context surrounding FIFA, while Interpol is still committed to developing our Integrity in Sport programme, I have decided to suspend the agreement.
“All external partners, whether public or private, must share the fundamental values and principles of the organization, as well as those of the wider law enforcement community.”
FIFA reacted to the news by releasing a statement expressing their disappointment.
“We are disappointed to learn of the decision by Interpol to suspend cooperation in the fight against match-fixing in football. The success and importance of this programme cannot be understated. Our cooperation over the past four years has been a key part of addressing the transnational problem of match-fixing.
“This successful programme is unrelated to the current issues surrounding FIFA and we believe that this unilateral decision will negatively impact the fight against criminal activity, a goal of which no supporter of the sport can be in favour.
“FIFA remains committed to this important and successful collaboration and will work for its resumption at the earliest opportunity. We are currently reaching out to Interpol to further discuss this matter.”