CBI to set up special unit to curb match fixing in sports
On the eve of the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will announce its dedicated unit called Sports Fraud Investigation Unit (SFIU) to tackle corruption in sport.
In a bid to arrest the growing menace of corruption and match-fixing in sports, the Central Bureau of Investigation has set up a dedicated unit, Sports Frauds Investigation Unit (SFIO). (Note: Adjoining image is for representational purpose only)
The seventh season of the Indian Premier League will kick-off on April 16 in 'tainted' venues of UAE, despite the spot-fixing and the betting scandal that transpired last year. According to a report in Hindustan Times, a CBI source said," The SFIO would work under the agency's Special Crime Branch with a DIG-level officer heading its team of investigators." (Also read: HDFC boss to help Sunil Gavaskar run IPL 2014)
According to the report, the Department of Sports is in the process of finalising a bill to criminalise sports fraud, that could in turn help the special unit to curb match-fixing. The SFIU, set to be formally announced on the eve of the first match of IPL 2014 on April 15, will also co-ordinate with the Sports Ministry to frame policies to weed out instances of corruption in sport. (Related: Controversies ahead of IPL 7)