IBIA and PFA Canada Launch Sports Integrity Education Program for CPL

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has joined forces with the Professional Footballers’ Association Canada (PFA Canada) to deliver a comprehensive sports integrity education program for the Canadian Premier League (CPL). This initiative aims to educate players and staff about the dangers of sports betting-related match-fixing and its impact on the integrity of the league and their careers.

Approximately 300 players and staff from the eight teams in Canada’s top-tier soccer league will receive training through this program. The education will be provided both in-person and online, ensuring broad accessibility and engagement. The program commenced in May, and the agreement includes a provision for continued delivery in 2025 to accommodate new players joining the league.

"IBIA’s members take their role as responsible, regulated betting operators seriously, focusing on protecting the integrity of sporting competitions and betting markets," said IBIA CEO Khalid Ali. "Protecting soccer players, staff, and officials from being targeted by criminals is essential to stamping out sports-betting related match-fixing and fraud."

The education initiative was made possible through a CA$300,000 commitment over three years from IBIA member operators bet365, Betway, and FanDuel. This funding supports the creation of a Canada-wide athlete education program aimed at addressing the threats posed by sports betting-related match-fixing and fraud.

"At FanDuel Canada, we recognize the critical role athlete education plays in maintaining sports integrity," said FanDuel Canada General Manager Dale Hooper. "We are thrilled to expand our engagement with IBIA through this partnership, helping to build a curriculum that will help athletes understand their role in protecting sport."

The IBIA’s sports integrity education program is a global initiative, and the association asserts that player education can significantly reduce the threat of sports betting-related match-fixing. In 2024, IBIA has already trained athletes at the European Boxing Championships in Serbia.

Soft2Bet Joins IBIA

In related news, Soft2Bet has become the newest member of IBIA, activating its membership in Ontario before expanding it to its other brands worldwide. In March, Soft2Bet received a Certificate of Registration from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), paving the way for the launch of its iGaming brand, Tooniebet.com, in the province. Tooniebet.com will now contribute to IBIA’s sports betting integrity monitoring platform, which ensures betting integrity by detecting and reporting suspicious activity.

This partnership between IBIA and PFA Canada represents a significant step in safeguarding the integrity of sports in the Canadian Premier League, reinforcing the importance of education and proactive measures in the fight against match-fixing and fraud.