FIFA head wants sentencing for match-fixers
FIFA's head of security has called for tougher prison sentences for match-fixing as it emerged a Champions League match in England is under investigation.
Ralf Mutschke said football could ban perpetrators for life - but that the courts need to crack down harder.
He said: "In football, a national association can sanction a member of the football family if they are found guilty of contravening the legal football framework.
"FIFA's disciplinary code provides the opportunity to extend those sanctions and impose a life ban. But for people outside of football, currently the custodial sentences imposed are too weak and offer little to deter someone from getting involved in match-fixing."
It comes after Europol police said a Champions League match in England which took place "in the last three to four years" was one of 380 under investigation.
A report in Denmark said police had text message evidence that a goalkeeper from an eastern European club tried unsuccessfully to ensure his team conceded at least three goals against the English side.
There is no suggestion any English team was involved in the fixing, which was for betting purposes.
However, it emerged on Monday neither the Football Association nor UEFA were aware of any such probe.
A spokesman for the FA said: "The FA are not aware of any credible reports into suspicious Champions League fixtures in England nor has any information been shared with us.
"While the Champions League comes under UEFA jurisdiction, The FA, alongside the Premier League, Football League and Conference, monitor markets for the top seven leagues and three major cup competitions in England and take matters of integrity in football extremely seriously."
Rob Wainwright, director of Europol - the European Union's law enforcement agency - told a news conference that a total of 425 match officials, club officials, players and serious criminals from more than 15 countries are suspected of being involved in attempts to fix matches.
Investigators told the news conference an Asia-based crime syndicate is behind the fixing of the 380 matches along with World Cup and European Championship qualifiers and "several top football matches in European leagues".