Match-Fixing Rife in Football
The UK gambling industry and the FA are currently facing tough questions from MP's regarding supposed football "match-fixing". The MP for Norwich North, Dr. Ian Gibson recently questioned the Secretary for Culture Media and Sport, Andy Burnham, about what the Government are doing about match-fixing and how closely they're working with the FA.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Gibson asked "on how many occasions in the last five years Burnham and his predecessors have met the FA to discuss (a) alleged irregularities in and (b) unusual betting activity on football matches." Gibson first raised the issue back in 2008, regarding Norwich City's defeat at the hands of Derby. The match was a close one, but in the final minutes Derby defeated Norwich. At the same time, there was supposed "massive movement" in Asian Betting Markets.
The FA subsequently investigated the claims, but it's been alleged by The Independent that "no players were interviewed, nor were any phone records or bank accounts checked." Gibson, who is by his own admission a Norwich City "season ticket holder", has since pressed the issue ever since.
The FA have since responded to Gibson by post, outlining their relationship with the Government regarding tackling corruption in football. Gibson has yet to respond.
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