ESSA, IOC bolster security measures ahead of Rio 2016
ESSA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have boosted their various security protocols ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games.
The two organisations have moved to strengthen the IOC’s Integrity Betting Intelligence System (IBIS), which will cover all 306 medal events during the Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Integrity body ESSA and the IOC began working together prior to the London 2012 Games and have continued to develop additional measures over the past four years.
Efforts include the establishment of the IOC IBIS and a cooperation agreement with Interpol.
“Sport isn’t sport unless it is fair and its outcome not predetermined, and whilst we haven’t seen any unusual betting activity in previous Games, we are not complacent about the dangers that corrupters continue to present to the sporting and betting sectors,” ESSA general secretary Khalid Ali said.
“ESSA and its responsible regulated members are intent on doing all we can to help the IOC to protect the world’s pinnacle multi-sport event from betting-related corruption.”
Pâquerette Girard Zappelli, ethics and compliance officer for the IOC, added: “The information sharing relationship with betting companies is a key pillar of the IOC’s integrity strategy and is a crucial part of the IBIS system.
“It is an approach that is based on partnership and cooperation between parties with a mutual goal to prevent corruption from destroying the ethics and values of sport.
“The IOC welcomes the continuing commitment of ESSA and its members in this fight.”
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