The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) are strengthening their partnership this season with an in-person integrity education training program as part of their joint effort to combat match-fixing.

This collaboration involves more than 100 CONMEBOL referees participating this month in a dedicated sports betting integrity education program, delivered through the Ethics, Compliance, and Integrity Directorate Session. The program offers practical, face-to-face training on how integrity can be threatened and, importantly, how it can be actively protected. Referees are at the forefront of football’s response to the risks associated with sports betting-related match-fixing.

Led by Jean-François Reymond, IBIA’s Education Ambassador, the sessions cover criminal tactics, the misuse of sensitive information, and the betting regulations that officials must understand to safeguard their careers, including the serious consequences of violations. Referees are equipped with concrete tools, clear reporting pathways, and practical insights into how manipulation attempts can develop in real scenarios.

As Latin America’s betting market grows, this initiative highlights the importance of strengthening sports integrity. It reflects a shared commitment to treating competition protection as an operational responsibility built through ongoing cooperation rather than reactive measures. Match-fixing often starts quietly, through pressure, familiarity, and silence. Education helps break that cycle early, ensuring that those closest to the action are informed, vigilant, and supported.

Graciela Garay, Director of Ethics, Compliance, and Integrity at CONMEBOL, stated: “Integrity is not an abstract value; it is a governance priority and a strategic pillar of football development. By placing education at the center of our integrity framework, we empower referees with the knowledge, confidence, and institutional backing they need to act decisively. This proactive approach builds trust, protects our competitions, and reinforces CONMEBOL’s long-term commitment to transparency, credibility, and fair play in South American football.”

Jean-François Reymond, IBIA Education Ambassador, remarked: “Referees are not just enforcers of the rules; they are guardians of competition itself. Education provides them with clarity, confidence, and protection. When officials understand how manipulation works and how to respond, the potential for match-fixing diminishes significantly. We are excited to work closely with CONMEBOL and their Ethics, Compliance, and Integrity Department, given their commitment to fostering a culture of integrity in football.”

By embedding education within their broader integrity partnership, CONMEBOL and IBIA emphasize a clear message: protecting football requires long-term commitment, shared accountability, and continuous investment in awareness and resilience at every level of the game. This education program is an important addition to the ongoing integrity collaboration between CONMEBOL and IBIA, which also includes the exchange of suspicious betting alerts through IBIA’s Global Monitoring and Alert Platform (Global MAP) and enhanced cooperation through CONMEBOL’s monitoring group.