Sports Integrity Unit to be included in sports corruption bill

A body corporate known as the Sports Integrity Unit is to be included in a bill seeking to amend current legislation dealing with corruption in sports.

Its inclusion enjoyed the support of both government and opposition representatives at a recent committee meeting.

The unit will be tasked with collecting and analysing information on suspected manipulation relating to sporting events, serving as an information hub, and co-ordinating the fight against sports-related corruption.

It will also be the primary point of contact for sports organisation and the police, provide assistance in criminal cases.

The bill also proposes harsher penalties for those involved in sports corruption, including a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to €30,000. Any person aware of such corruption shall be required to report it, with failure to do so amounting to a criminal offence.

People closely associates with sports – including athletes, employees of SportMalta and club officials – found to be involved in the manipulation of a sporting event shall, in addition to aggravating circumstances, be liable to even more stringent penalties, facing imprisonment of up to five years.

Furthermore, anyone found guilty of such offences will not be able to receive a suspended sentence and will not be allowed to participate or attend any sporting event for ten years.