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UEFA calls for vigilance against match-fixing

UEFA secretary-general Gianni Infantino, pictured in 2011, on Friday said that football had to be vigilant against match-fixing, reaffirming the European governing body's zero-tolerance stance on corruption

UEFA secretary-general Gianni Infantino on Friday said that football had to be vigilant against match-fixing, reaffirming the European governing body's zero-tolerance stance on corruption. "Let's be on our guard. It's up to you players and club officials to tell us of any suspicions of fixed matches in order to protect our sport," he said on the sidelines of the draw for preliminary matches of the Champions and Europa leagues. UEFA president Michel Platini warned last month that the organisation had a zero-tolerance approach to match-fixing and warned that anyone found guilty of involvement risked a life ban from the sport. Beaten Euro 2012 finalists Italy came into the tournament in Poland and Ukraine on the back of fresh corruption claims, which led to the arrest of several top players and even saw the team's pre-competition training camp raided by police. Organised crime gangs have seen an opportunity in football, with money to be made from illegal betting and also exploiting players from low profile clubs hit by financial difficulties.