Football's world governing body FIFA claim there is a “Higher Vulnerability” for games to be fixed in the third game of the first stage. This follows recent match-fixing scandals around the world, including lower league football in England and now according to Head of Security Ralf Mutschke, World Cup games are under threat of being targeted.
The most dangerous or likely spot-fixing may come from “dead rubber” games as Mutschke put it, as there is little stake on the result and therefore players may be enticed. FIFA will be actively investigating games as part of the “risk management strategy”. However, this will come as very disappointing news to many that the game we love is under risk of being fixed on the biggest stage.
Although there have been no causes for concern as of yet, the comments bring a stark realisation that match-fixing is very apparent in the game. Hopefully the World Cup will pass without incident, but FIFA must be tough on those who are found guilty of match-fixing if any evidence is found.
