Emphasising referees as people of integrity

Referees are required to show the utmost integrity in representing UEFA and European football – not only as match officials and role models, but also in totally rejecting involvement in match-fixing or corruption.

In a presentation at UEFA's winter course in Limassol, Cyprus, UEFA Referees Committee member David Elleray emphasised referees' essential roles as ambassadors and diplomats. They must link high standards in officiating matches with a consistently high quality of conduct off the field.

"You are now representatives of UEFA, of football and fair play," said Elleray. "We want your conduct to be of the highest level. You are people of integrity who do not tolerate corruption or dishonesty. We want the best performances not only on the field, but also away from the pitch.

"We are unable to accept any conduct that is unprofessional at any time," he added. Elleray emphasised that referees must remember that their behaviour away from the pitch, especially when travelling to and from an assignment, has a crucial bearing on not only their own reputations – but also on the reputation of UEFA.

"Your conduct as an ambassador and a diplomat will be fundamental in determining whether you will be successful," Elleray stressed. "Be professional and think about your image at every moment.

"You will be coming into contact with a lot of people – not only at football matches, but also the general public and the media. Your appearance, and how you carry yourself, can have a major impact on people's impressions of you. First impressions of a person often remain. Furthermore, showing respect and diplomacy in all that you do can have a big effect on how others respond to you."

UEFA considers the fight against match-fixing to be a No1 priority. The UEFA intelligence coordinator Graham Peaker was also in Cyprus to warn referees to stay on alert against possible efforts to persuade them to manipulate the result of a match.

"All football matches are to be played in a spirit of fairness and respect with the outcome determined solely on the merits of the competing teams," said Peaker. "The result of the match is to remain uncertain until you, the referee, blow the final whistle."

Peaker explained UEFA;s work to combat match-fixing. The European body, among others, monitors the betting patterns of all UEFA matches and over 30,000 domestic league and cup matches per season.

Match-fixing cases are investigated, and players, match officials and coaches found guilty face a ban on exercising any football-related activity. A concerted education drive is aimed at warning players and coaches in particular to stay away from match-fixing, and is seen by over 5,000 new faces every year.

"We want to protect you," Peaker emphasised. "Match-fixing is a real threat to the integrity and popularity of football. Supporters no longer attend matches when they know they are being manipulated. Match-fixers are individuals from the world of organised crime. Financial reward is their only interest. They are dangerous people."

The referees were asked to follow the 'three R's' principle towards any attempt to involve them in match-fixing: recognise what is happening; reject the approach; report the matter.