UEFA step up match-fixing fight

UEFA have stepped up their attempts to eradicate match-fixing in football by signing a memorandum of understanding with betting company Betfair.

The terms of the agreement allow UEFA to access a greater level of information than was previously attainable from the betting industry.

Specifically, European football's governing body will be able to request information which will identify individuals behind any potentially suspicious activity.

UEFA chief executive officer Lars-Christer Olsson said: "We are happy that we have reached this agreement with Betfair, because it is an important step forward in ensuring the continued integrity of our competitions.

"This is in line with our permanent efforts to protect the game from match-fixing and will facilitate the gathering of information in case of suspicious results."

German football is currently embroiled in a match-fixing scandal which has seen referee Robert Hoyzer admit to taking money to alter the course of games.

Three other referees and several players are also under investigation.