
The World football governing body, FIFA has confirmed that their Director of Security Ralf Mutschke will visit Sierra Leone as part of their initiative to tackle match manipulation around the world.
In a bid to secure more information from FIFA regarding the latest development on the match-fixing saga in Sierra Leone, a spokesperson from the FIFA media department in an exclusive interview with African Sports TV confirmed the visit of Mutschke by sending an article link to me and further stating that they will not make any further comments on the issue.
If you wish to quote someone, please simply quote a FIFA spokesman,” the FIFA correspondence read.
According to FIFA, Mutschke is expected to meet with the SLFA President Isha Johansen, as well as with key governmental officials.
“The upcoming trip underlines FIFA’s continued commitment to assisting the SLFA in its fight against corruption and match manipulation. FIFA will share its knowledge and expertise with the SLFA and provide it with support and assistance in its ongoing investigations in establishing its own integrity programme.”
Mutschke told the FIFA website that while it’s the responsibility of the SLFA and the Sierra Leonean authorities to tackle match manipulation matters at local level, they (FIFA) are dedicated to providing support on the issue to the SLFA as they are doing with other member associations.
He said: "We also continue to look at preventative measures as a sustainable solution to combat the global match manipulation problem. We welcome the efforts currently being undertaken by the SLFA. Match manipulation is a global problem that requires a coordinated response by all stakeholders involved in football.”