It’s more bad news for FIFA.
World football’s governing body has taken its fair share of knocks since first being embroiled in a corruption scandal last month, and Interpol is the latest to inflict further damage to its battered reputation.
The international police organization has opted to suspend its $22.5 million joint anti match-fixing program with FIFA while it remains implicated in corruption allegations.
The governing body is currently under investigation by both the U.S. and Swiss authorities.
“In light of the current context surrounding FIFA, while Interpol is still committed to developing our Integrity in Sport program, I have decided to suspend the agreement,” Interpol secretary general Jurgen Stock said in a statement.
“All external partners, whether public or private, must share the fundamental values and principles of the Organization, as well as those of the wider law enforcement community.”
FIFA donated $22.5 million to Interpol under a May 2011 agreement to create the 10-year Integrity in Sport program, which was intended to fight match-fixing and illegal gambling.
The agreement, according to Interpol, included a clause which states that “the funding party declares notably that its activities are compatible with the principles, aims and activities of Interpol.”
Stock’s decision to freeze the use of financial contributions from FIFA was endorsed by Interpol’s Executive Committee at a three-day meeting this week in Lyon.
“Interpol continues to closely monitor developments involving FIFA,” the statement added.
FIFA’s response
FIFA issued its own statement later Friday in response to Interpol’s decision.
The governing body, which is “reaching out to Interpol to further discuss this matter,” believes the program is unrelated to the allegations of corruption it currently faces.
“We are disappointed to learn of the decision by Interpol to suspend cooperation in the fight against match fixing in football,” the statement read.
“The success and importance of this program cannot be understated. Our cooperation over the past four years has been a key part of addressing the transnational problem of match fixing.”
“This successful program is unrelated to the current issues surrounding FIFA and we believe that this unilateral decision will negatively impact the fight against criminal activity, a goal of which no supporter of the sport can be in favor,” the statement added.
Interpol last week issued red notices for two former FIFA officials and four marketing executives who face charges, including racketeering and corruption, in the U.S.
The six – one being former FIFA vice president Jack Warner – are among 14 football and marketing officials indicted by the U.S. authorities following the launch of its investigation last month.