Match-fixers buying clubs, warns FIFA

Measures on the way to combat increasing influence of gangs

ZURICH - Criminal gangs are making long-term investments in match-fixing, purchasing clubs and organizing referee training camps as part of their infiltration of soccer, FIFA's security chief told Reuters in an interview.

Chris Eaton said that, as part of its response, FIFA wanted to provide witness protection for players who came forward when they were approached by match-fixers and would consider rehabilitation for those corrupted at a young age.