The international police organization has
opted to suspend its $22.5 million joint anti match-fixing program with
FIFA while it remains implicated in corruption allegations.
The governing body is currently under investigation by both the U.S. and Swiss authorities.
"In
light of the current context surrounding FIFA, while Interpol is still
committed to developing our Integrity in Sport program, I have decided
to suspend the agreement," Interpol secretary general Jurgen Stock said in a statement.
"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 donated $22.5 million to Interpol
under a May 2011 agreement to create the 10-year Integrity in Sport
program, which was intended to fight match-fixing and illegal gambling.
The
agreement, according to Interpol, included a clause which states that
"the funding party declares notably that its activities are compatible
with the principles, aims and activities of Interpol."
Stock's
decision to freeze the use of financial contributions from FIFA was
endorsed by Interpol's Executive Committee at a three-day meeting this
week in Lyon.
"Interpol continues to closely monitor developments involving FIFA," the statement added.
FIFA's response
FIFA issued its own statement later Friday in response to Interpol's decision.
The
governing body, which is "reaching out to Interpol to further discuss
this matter," believes the program is unrelated to the allegations of
corruption it currently faces.
"We are
disappointed to learn of the decision by Interpol to suspend cooperation
in the fight against match fixing in football," the statement read.
"The
success and importance of this program cannot be understated. Our
cooperation over the past four years has been a key part of addressing
the transnational problem of match fixing."
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