The president of the entity, Ivar Sisniega, assures that strong measures will be taken to eradicate match-fixing and that those involved are at risk of imprisonment.
Mexico.- The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has launched an unprecedented offensive to combat illegal betting and match-fixing. Ivar Sisniega, executive president of the FMF, announced that the federation's legal department has already met with the Attorney General's Office (FGR) to file a formal complaint and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law. "The legal department is working with the Prosecutor's Office today to carry out this complaint," the executive detailed in an interview with TUDN.
Sisniega's message is clear: those who participate in these types of activities will not only be exposed to sports sanctions, such as those already applied to players from Real Apodaca, but also to severe criminal consequences. "We want it to be very clear that they not only run the risk of a sports sanction, but there are implications that can even lead them to jail," he emphasized. This statement comes after recent scandals involving teams like Real Apodaca and Correcaminos from the Expansion League and Premier League, where alleged match-fixing linked to illegal betting was uncovered.
One of the most alarming cases was that of Real Apodaca, where a video even circulated showing team players coordinating with people related to sports betting. Sisniega described these incidents as "a stain on Mexican football," although he insisted that it is not a problem exclusive to the country. "It must be emphasized that this is not something unique to Mexico. At a conference with international authorities, where Interpol and the FBI participated, similar cases were presented in South America and other regions. It is such a serious issue globally that it involves major investigative agencies," he explained.
The president of the FMF also acknowledged that there are structural challenges to combating this scourge. "There are legislative gaps, in the sense that it is not specifically regulated, and that is one of the tasks we have ahead," he admitted. However, he assured that the federation will not stand idly by and will work to strengthen internal regulations to prevent and sanction these acts. "It is an issue that puts the credibility of football at risk, and that is why we must take the most forceful measures possible," he affirmed.
The FMF seeks to send a clear message to both players and fans: any sign of tampering will be thoroughly investigated. "When there is the slightest suspicion, we will fully engage to put an end to it," Sisniega promised, highlighting the importance of collaboration with national and international authorities to eradicate these practices. The case of Real Apodaca and Correcaminos, for example, has highlighted the need for coordinated action between the federation, Mexican justice, and global bodies.
The executive also made a call for reflection on the impact of these incidents on the sport. "Unfortunately, it affects many countries in the world, and Mexico is no exception. But we are committed to cleaning up Mexican football from these types of problems," he noted. In addition, he emphasized that the sanctions not only seek to punish, but also to deter those who might be tempted to engage in illegal activities. "Players must understand that the consequences go beyond the sporting; there is a real risk of facing criminal justice," he reiterated.
