The fight against corruption and other crimes in sport, in particular against the manipulation of sports competitions, requires the engagement of ministries not only responsible for sport, but also for justice, for interior and for finances, amongst others. In order to facilitate coordination and co-operation between these ministries, the Council of Europe has launched an inter-ministerial network which joins the other networks of the main groups of actors already established around the Macolin Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions.

Over forty ministry representatives involved in the fight against corruption as well as for the protection of the integrity of sport took part in the first seminar of the network organised by the Council of Europe in Paris on 28-29 November 2017. EU Member of Parliament, M. Bogdan Wenta, who is also vice president of the Sport Intergroup, opened the meeting, highlighting the European Parliament’s support for the ratification of the Macolin Convention by EU Member States. Discussions centered around legislative reforms, the setting up of national platforms, international co-operation, and the presentation of the Council of Europe’s new upcoming project, KCOOS+ (Keep Crime Out Of Sport 2018-2020. The event was closed by French Minister for Sport, Mrs. Laura Flessel, who encouraged States to endeavor to be compliant to the Macolin Convention principles. In addition to her significant political support, the Minister announced France’s financial contribution to the KCOOS+ project. Norway, Switzerland and Cyprus, as well as the European Lotteries and World Lotteries Association seized the opportunity to also announce their financial contributions to the project.