Match fixing could taint the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP/Getty Images)
Ralf Mutschke, a former Interpol director and senior manager at the German Federal Criminal Police Office was appointed as FIFA’s head of security in early 2012. In the summer of 2014, he will be given his biggest task yet: stopping match fixing at the World Cup in Brazil.
Attempts will undoubtedly be made to make a quick buck. But Mutschke, in accordance with FIFA, has assured that all measures have been and will be put into place to keep match fixing from effecting gameplay. And if all else fails, they have no problems with calling off a match if foul play is suspected.
“We must clearly assume that organized crime will try and fix matches at the World Cup,” said Mutschke in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “At this event, bets will be placed at a great rate and a large profit will be made.”
So what is the defense plan, you ask?
“We will have security officers in all 12 World Cup stadiums. We will monitor all matches on the betting market, we will be in contact with all bookmakers, screen the social networks and the relevant boards for hints. We will analyze individual plays during games,” Mutschke added.
Would FIFA really halt play mid-game? Mutschke simply stated, “Everything is possible.” That would be yet another blow to the stomach of FIFA during their attempt to bring soccer’s biggest event to Brazil. And remember: the modern criminal has technological means at his or her disposal that at least equal those of the authorities trying to apprehend them.
