The ICSS signs cooperation agreement

Washington, D.C. – USA, Feb 28, 2013: The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), the not-for-profit organisation specialising in sport safety, security and integrity, has today signed a new agreement with the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) of the World Bank Group. The agreement focuses on promoting integrity principles and awareness of corruption and fraud risks in the sport arena.

Speaking about the new agreement, Mohammed Hanzab, President of the ICSS, said: “As one of the leading international investigative bodies, the Integrity Vice Presidency of the World Bank Group has extensive experience in tackling financial corruption and fraud and has already played an important part in safeguarding integrity across a range of industries and sectors.

“In sport, we cannot underestimate the emerging and ongoing threat of match-fixing and other forms of corruption that can potentially compromise sporting events. This agreement is an important step in the fight against corruption and match-fixing. I look forward to working with INT over the coming months to develop new programmes to promote and strengthen sports core values and to safeguard the future credibility of sporting events.”

The agreement will support the ICSS in the development of its first National Sport Integrity Index (NSII). This new international tool, part of the ICSS’s commitment to eradicating corruption and protecting the integrity of sport, will highlight and assess integrity practices around the globe and identify certain regions and jurisdictions where national and international stakeholders can provide additional support and expertise.

“I would like to acknowledge ICSS for this pioneering initiative. Sport has the unique ability to inspire young and old. Sport is also a powerful platform to build bridges between individuals and communities to promote peace, good values and health, particularly among youth who are exposed to the impact of corruption and organised crime. We look forward to our collaboration.” said Leonard McCarthy, World Bank Integrity Vice President. —- ICSS