William Hill Signs Integrity Agreement with Both Scottish and English FAs
Published on by Andrew Mills
It’s a double whammy for William Hill as both the English and Scottish Football Associations have announced the signing of betting integrity memorandum of understandings (MoU) with the bookmaker.The two separate MoUs, which are designed to safeguard the sport of football, cover all professional football events and related governing bodies within the two countries and within the jurisdiction of both FAs.
Betting irregularities
As part of the agreement, William Hill will exchange information with both governing bodies in relation to any suspected betting irregularities in the two countries.These information exchange agreements include irregularities such as match fixing and insider betting on all events under the jurisdiction of either of the two governing bodies.With new seasons in both England and Scotland about to start, this news is a welcome confidence boost and reassures the integrity of the sport.
Reactions
Peter McLaughlin, Scottish FA Security and Integrity Officer, said of the agreement:“The Scottish FA is committed to keeping the national game clean in the face of the growing global challenges of match-fixing and other integrity related issues.“We work continually with our clubs and other stakeholders in the game to remain vigilant and co-ordinated in our approach. This is facilitated via the multi-agency Integrity Taskforce, with representation from the Scottish FA, SPFL, FiFPro, PFA Scotland, Managers & Coaches Association, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service [COPFS].“Indeed, the group met earlier this week to discuss trends and incidents that happen across Europe, to ensure we remain alive to new and existing threats. Today’s announcement is another example of working together with our sponsors and partners.“This MoU will enable us to work proactively and share information to protect the integrity and reputation of Scottish football.”Bill South, Director of Security and Community Affairs at William Hill, added:“We are proud of our association with Scottish football and we are committed to helping the Scottish FA safeguard the integrity of the game in Scotland. This MoU sends out a zero tolerance message to people contemplating contravening the Scottish FA’s rules on betting and match fixing.”