'Trafficking' fears grow

FIFA's head of security has warned that young footballers are being "trafficked" by gambling syndicates intent on fixing the outcome of matches.

Chris Eaton claims youngsters from "humble origins" are being targeted by criminals who help them earn deals with clubs in Europe and Latin America in return for their compliance in altering the outcome of games.

Eaton maintains that junior competitions are the breeding ground for the illicit recruitment, which he believes represents "a real and present danger to the sanctity and ethics of sport".

"It is a form of trafficking, in my view - trafficking for criminal purposes," Eaton told The Independent. "It is only anecdotal evidence at this stage but it is clear. They (the match-fixers] often target people from humble origins.

Fifa, in tandem with Interpol, has already explored the idea of briefing players on the dangers of match-fixing before major tournaments.

"Prevention is the primary task. The second is to protect players and officials from the approach of criminals," added Eaton.