Council of Europe: Italy ratifies the Convention on the manipulation of sports competitions

Italy has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the manipulation of sports competitions.

The purpose of this Convention is to prevent, detect, punish and discipline the manipulation of sports competitions, as well as enhance the exchange of information and national and international cooperation between the public authorities concerned, and with sports organisations and sports betting operators. The Convention calls on governments to adopt measures, including legislation, notably: prevent conflicts of interest in sports betting operators and sports organisations; encourage the sports betting regulatory authorities to fight against fraud, if necessary by limiting the supply of sports bets or suspending the taking of bets; fight against illegal sports betting, allowing to close or restrict access to the operators concerned and block financial flows between them and consumers.
Sports organisations and competition organisers are also required to adopt and implement stricter rules to combat corruption, sanctions and proportionate disciplinary and dissuasive measures in the event of offences, as well as good governance principles. The Convention also provides safeguards for informants and witnesses.

The treaty has already been ratified by Norway, Poland, Republic of Moldova, Switzerland and Ukraine. The Convention will enter into force with regard to Italy on October 1st, 2019.