In Kyiv, the second seminar for integrity officers in sports federations took place, organized by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and the National Platform of Sports Integrity under the coordination of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Football Association was represented on-site by the head of the Ethics and Fair Play Committee, Andriy Davydenko, who presented best practices in investigating fixed matches in football, and the committee secretary, Anastasiya Bilienko.

Photo of the NOC Ukraine

Opening remarks were made by First Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Yuriy Muzika and President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine Vadymy Gutsayt.

Photo of the NOC Ukraine

«We are welcoming participants for the second time, as this topic remains extremely relevant. The NOC Ukraine actively supports international standards and initiatives to prevent corrupt schemes. It is pleasant to see that more federations are joining this initiative – today representatives from almost all Olympic sports federations are present here,» Vadymy Gutsayt noted.

During the event, a range of issues were discussed, including:

 — updating the activities of the Olympic movement subunit on preventing match-fixing;

— the issue of fixed matches and other forms of manipulation of sporting competitions at both national and international levels;

— the work of the National Platform of Sports Integrity;

— investigation of cases of match-fixing;

— the Erasmus+ program «Atlas of Integrity and Values in Refereeing».

Photo of the NOC Ukraine

The key topic of discussion was the implementation of the McColley Convention as a main reference in combating manipulation. International experts shared their experience with Ukrainian colleagues – Nicholas Sajde, Secretary of the Committee for Monitoring Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention against Match-Fixing, and Evangelos Alexandrakis, Senior Manager of the Olympic Movement Subunit on Preventing Match-Fixing.

Photo of the NOC Ukraine

«Progress is evident. Compared to last year, there was a larger number of representatives from national sports federations present at the event. This indicates greater interest in this matter. I believe that such seminars should take place regularly in the future – as we have the opportunity to exchange contacts, share experience, and help each other in the fight against match-fixing,» Andriy Davydenko noted.