The Red Button app, developed by FIFPro in partnership with the Finnish player association, allows players to anonymously report potential match-fixing after which FIFA’s integrity department will then investigate.
According to FIFPro, the anonymity provided by the new app, which will be added to FIFA’s existing reporting platforms such as the FIFA Integrity App, will encourage players who might be hesitant to speak out about infractions in fear of their personal safety and careers. The Red Button app ensures that the player’s phone remains free of any traces of the report.
“Safeguarding the integrity of football and ensuring that all participants can play in a safe environment is a top priority for us,” said Oliver Jaberg, FIFA deputy legal and compliance officer, and director of integrity and anti-doping. “Working together with stakeholders at all levels of football is key part of Fifa’s approach to protecting the integrity of football and we look forward to collaborating with FIFPro on this new initiative.”
Football generates the most suspicious betting alerts, according to the Global Lottery Monitoring System, with nearly 200 registered alerts related to football in the first half of the year, comprising more than two thirds of all alerts received.
FIFPro’s legal director, Roy Vermeer, added: “With players facing disciplinary action for failing to report a match-fixing approach, there must be a way for them to do this without fear that they are putting themselves, their families and their careers in danger. The Red Button app provides this facility and will help players manage this considerable risk that, through no fault of their own, might confront them at any time.”
