The session on “Match Fixing in Professional Football” took place in the Trophy Room of the Dramático de Cascais Stadium as part of SIGA’s Sport Integrity Week 2023. Fernando Veiga Gomes (Partner, Abreu; Chair, SIGA Ethics Committee), Nuno Mousinho Esteves (Chair, Cascais GDS SAD), António Pedro (Director, Cascais GDS SAD), Rúben Cordeiro (Executive Vice-Chair, Cascais GDS SAD), and the entire Senior Football structure of GDS Cascais Futebol SAD, represented by the Technical Team and players, were present for the session.
GDS Cascais Futebol SAD hosted the awareness-raising event addressing a critical issue in the world of sports: match-fixing. The event was set as #SIW2023 initiative to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of match-fixing.
One of the event’s key messages was that everyone has a role to play in the fight against match-fixing. The club recognized the importance of active involvement in this effort, by stating Athletes, coaches, sports directors, and others must be educated about the risks and consequences of match-fixing. Fans must report suspicious activity, and sports authorities must implement strict measures to investigate and punish offenders.
Tomás Reis, first-team captain, stated:
“Fernando Veiga Gomes explained that match-fixing is not really about losing or winning but about manipulating a specific result within a game, or a period of the game. The athletes were also warned that they are strictly prohibited from betting against or in favor of their team. It is expressly forbidden to seek an advantage for the player, their family, or close friends. This practice could lead to imprisonment.”
Gonçalo Verissimo, first team assistant captain added:
“It was valuable training, and I believe it will help not only me but also my colleagues to understand the consequences of game-fixing, ensuring that football remains a clean, competitive sport with integrity.”
André Neves, Team Manager, emphasized the importance of the event:
“The awareness-raising activity on match-fixing was highly effective in alerting players and sports agents to the potential consequences. I support it becoming a recurring theme in all lower-level clubs, as they are the most vulnerable. This initiative by GDS Cascais SAD is excellent in promoting Sport Integrity.”
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