Integriball 2.0 Completes Fact-Finding Missions in Estonia, Romania, and Georgia to Safeguard Football Integrity!

The Integriball program, dedicated to promoting integrity and inclusivity within football, has successfully completed its fact-finding missions in Estonia, Romania, and Georgia. These missions, conducted in close collaboration with the respective football federations of each country and supported by partner organizations United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS) and Berkeley Global Society (BGS), mark a significant milestone in the initiative's ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of the sport.

About the Fact-Finding Missions

Led by the CSCF Foundation for Sport Integrity and supported by UEFA, the Integriball program aims to develop programs focused on safeguarding, combating match-fixing, and protecting whistleblowers across multiple countries. The fact-finding missions in Estonia, Romania, and Georgia were crucial steps in assessing the current level of knowledge and understanding within the football communities of these nations.

·        In Estonia, the mission was hosted by the Estonian Football Association (Eesti Jalgpalli Liit), where stakeholders engaged in comprehensive discussions and assessments to identify areas of improvement and strategies for enhancing integrity measures within the sport. "We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this vital initiative and look forward to continuing our partnership with CSCF in creating a safer and more ethical environment for football in Estonia," said a representative from EJL.

·        Similarly, in Romania, the Federatia Romana de Fotbal facilitated productive discussions and exchanges, allowing for a thorough examination of the existing landscape and the formulation of targeted interventions to address any identified challenges. "As representatives of the Federatia Romana de Fotbal, we are honored to collaborate with CSCF and other stakeholders in this important endeavor. Together, we are working towards a future where integrity is paramount in Romanian football," stated a representative from FRF.

·       In Georgia, the Georgian Football Federation played a pivotal role in coordinating the fact-finding mission, fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. "This collaborative effort has been instrumental in advancing integrity within football, and we are thankful for the opportunity to be part of such an impactful initiative. We look forward to furthering our partnership with all stakeholders to uphold the values of integrity and inclusivity in Georgian football," expressed a representative from GFF.

Throughout these missions, the Integriball program underscored its commitment to protecting football, particularly its most vulnerable groups, by ensuring that integrity remains a top priority in the development and governance of the sport. "I am thrilled to witness the impactful outcomes of the Integriball program. Through collaborative efforts with our esteemed partners and the dedicated football federations of Estonia, Romania, and Georgia, we have successfully completed fact-finding missions aimed at enhancing integrity within football," said Norbert Rubicsek, director at CSCF Foundation for Sport Integrity. "These missions have provided invaluable insights that will inform future initiatives and reinforce our commitment to promoting integrity and inclusivity within the sport. I extend my sincere gratitude to all involved for their unwavering dedication and look forward to the continued success and impact of the Integriball program."

About CSCF

The CSCF Foundation for Sport Integrity is an organization committed to enhancing integrity, transparency, and ethics in sports across the globe. We offer education, advice, and risk management support to sports organizations, law enforcement, governmental bodies, and the betting industry, addressing key ethical and integrity challenges. As Integriball 2.0 coordinators and a premier content provider, we drive this unique initiative, committed to the cause of sports integrity.

About Integriball 2.0 Country Partners

·        Eesti Jalgpalli Liit (EJL): EJL, or the Estonian Football Association, is the governing body for football in Estonia. As a partner in Integriball 2.0, EJL represents the importance of integrity in sports governance at a national level. By ensuring fair play, transparency, and ethical conduct within Estonian football, EJL contributes to fostering integrity both on and off the field.

·        Georgian Football Federation (GFF): GFF serves as the governing body for football in Georgia. Through its involvement in Integriball 2.0, GFF emphasizes the significance of integrity in sports development within the country. By promoting integrity in football administration, player conduct, and fan engagement, GFF plays a crucial role in upholding the values of fairness and honesty in Georgian football.

·        Federatia Romana De Fotbal (FRF): FRF, or the Romanian Football Federation, is responsible for overseeing football activities in Romania. As a partner in Integriball 2.0, FRF underscores the importance of integrity in football governance and competition. FRF's commitment to combating corruption, match-fixing, and other integrity-related issues within Romanian football highlights its dedication to preserving the sport's credibility and ethical standards.

Integriball 2.0's ambition goes beyond national borders, with support from UEFA and involvement across three countries, including Estonia, Georgia, and Romania. By disseminating vital knowledge and resources, the project endeavors to create a more ethically sound and secure environment for football participation, ensuring accessibility and empowerment for all.

For further information about Integriball 2.0 and opportunities for involvement, please contact: Integriball2.admin@cscfsport.com

Disclaimer: The project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.