FIFA urges government support against match-fixing

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 20 (AP) FIFA's head of security today warned that the fight against match-fixing will ultimately flounder without the full support of governments across the world. Ralf Mutschke said he hopes a Singaporean businessman accused of heading a crime syndicate that made millions by betting on rigged Italian games will be brought to face the courts with the help of Singaporean authorities. Mutschke, speaking at a conference in Malaysia co-hosted by Interpol and the Asian Football Confederation to discuss match-fixing, said referees and players are being banned for life for corruption but the masterminds of the crimes still walk free because of legislative weaknesses. "We have to bring in the governments because they have to change legislations and laws, because a lot of countries do not have proper laws fighting match manipulation and corruption," Mutschke said. "Talking is nice, but we have to come to a conclusion that it's time now for action." Mutschke pointed to the case of Singaporean businessman Tan Seet Eng, for whom Italian authorities have issued an arrest warrant but have been unable to take into custody because it cannot be served on him while he is in Asia. Tan "needs to be brought to justice ... But it's out of our jurisdiction," Mutschke said. "The problem has to be solved on a political level." Singapore's police have said the city state's authorities are reviewing information submitted by the Italians before deciding what to do. Tan's former associate, Wilson Raj Perumal, has alleged to Italian investigators that Tan places syndicate wagers on fixed games using Asia-based online betting sites via intermediaries in China. (AP) AH AH 02201028 NNNN