Sunday 10 February 2013 12:01, UK
FIFA's former head of security Chris Eaton says he is not aware of any 'credible evidence' of match-fixing in the English game.
To clamp down on match-fixing, Eaton believes regulation must be implemented on a global scale. "You are well regulated in the betting environment in the UK, but it is not very well regulated in south-east Asia, it is 'grey gambling'. It dwarfs the European market significantly, it is probably up to 100 times bigger, which makes it such a huge attraction for organised crime," he added. "Historically match-fixing was all about positions on a league ladder, avoiding relegation, perhaps even some casual spot fixing among colleagues as well, but these are inconsequential compared to what is happening today in terms of organised crime using it for betting fraud, which is all about timing and making sure the bookmaker is not alerted early, trying to put a plunge very late in a match. "What has to happen is the governments of the world need to get together and regulate betting internationally. It is no longer suitable for gambling to be regulated at a national level."