The need to strengthen international cooperation, institutional capacity and preventive measures to combat match-fixing and corruption in sport was highlighted during the opening event of the 10th meeting of the Copenhagen Group, held on Tuesday in Nicosia.
The event was organised by the Cyprus Committee of Ethics and Sport Safeguarding under the auspices of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Opening the event, President of the Committee Stefanos Skordis described the hosting of the Copenhagen Group meeting as a ‘milestone’, welcoming representatives from government, parliament, local authorities and sports bodies.
He noted that the Committee operates under the 2017 law on the prevention of manipulation of sports events, aligned with the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention, and expressed confidence that the Convention will soon be ratified by Cyprus.
Skordis described the Committee as a ‘sui generis’ body, with members appointed personally for fixed terms, ensuring continuity and specialisation.
He said the Committee has completed more than 70 investigations, with over 10 ongoing. These have led to more than 10 criminal cases, four of which have already resulted in convictions, while additional cases are expected.
He also highlighted the Committee’s expanded mandate on conflicts of interest, allowing it to examine a broader range of cases beyond direct match manipulation.
Skordis underlined the Committee’s international role through participation in the Copenhagen Group and cooperation with other national platforms, particularly Greece.
He further stressed the importance of education and prevention, noting training programmes for investigators, sports officials and school students, including visits to schools promoting ethics and fair play.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, Commissioner for the Citizen Panayiotis Palates welcomed participants, noting that the meeting takes place during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU.
He described the Macolin Convention as a key tool in addressing match-fixing and safeguarding the integrity of sport, while highlighting the Copenhagen Group as an effective mechanism based on cooperation among national platforms.
Palates praised the work of the Cypriot Committee, noting its contribution through investigations, partnerships and educational initiatives.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions, Demetris Demetriou, emphasised the social role of sport, particularly in protecting young people from modern forms of addiction.
He noted that parliament has supported legislative efforts to strengthen the Committee and combat corruption in sport.
Demetriou warned that phenomena of corruption undermine efforts to encourage youth participation in sport, especially in an era where challenges include digital addiction and online gambling.
‘We must become more effective in tackling such phenomena,’ he said, adding that sport is ‘much more than profitability.’