ESSA teams up with RFU to combat match fixing

rnational sports betting integrity body ESSA have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the English Rugby Football Union (RFU).Under the terms of the memorandum, which was signed by both parties, ESSA will employ its monitoring and alert system covering its members’ regulated betting markets, which comprises some of the largest operators in the world, to monitor for any suspicious betting patterns.ESSA holds positions on match-fixing and betting policy forums at the European Commission, Council of Europe and the International Olympic Committee.Its members include: 888sport, ABB, Bet-at-Home, Betclic, Betdaq, Betsson, BetStars, BetVictor, Betway, bet365, bwin, Cashpoint, Expekt, Fonbet, Gamesys, Interwetten, Ladbrokes Coral, Paddy Power Betfair, Sky Bet, Sportingbet, Sporting Index, Sportium, Stanleybet, Stoiximan, Unibet and William Hill.Announcing the signing of the memorandum, ESSA Secretary General Khalid Ali said: “No one can or should be complacent in the face of criminal elements intent on corrupting any sport to defraud betting companies.ESSA therefore welcomes the continuing proactive approach of the RFU and the formation of this alliance. The RFU is among a group of sports bodies that have made important and effective strides in this area and ESSA remains committed to working in partnership with those responsible organisations.”Angus Bujalski RFU Legal & Governance Director added: “While no instances of betting related match-fixing have to date been identified in English rugby union we need to continue to be vigilant. We have already put in place a range of measures to raise awareness and to set clear rules to maintain the integrity of the game.”This MoU is another important milestone in that process and complements our existing work. English rugby has so far been free of betting related match-fixing and we are working hard with our partners such as ESSA to ensure that it remains that way.”