 International efforts against corruption in football took an important step forward this week with FIFA and UEFA teaming up with Interpol for the first time to combat match-fixing. As part of the Interpol FIFA Training Education and Prevention Program, 200 representatives from 50 countries and 20 international organisations gathered in Rome to further discuss strategies to detect and counteract the methods being used by criminal networks which generate billions in illegal betting every year. Participants heard how the need to further develop and improve prevention and investigation techniques as well as to implement a broad range of global education and training activities is vital to protect the integrity of the beautiful game. The conference is the first in a series being held around the world with an Asian regional conference due to take place in Kuala Lumpur in February.