The first-ever UEFA Integrity Officers' workshop finished at UEFA headquarters with a stark warning from UEFA President Michel Platini about the dangers of match-fixing in football.

"Football, like most sporting disciplines, is in mortal danger," Mr Platini said. "The very essence of our sport is based on the integrity of results, from school sport up to the World Cup. Obviously, the credibility of every competition is affected. If the dice are loaded, what is the point of taking part or getting enthusiastic?” UEFA official website quoted Platini as saying.

Earlier this year, UEFA's Executive Committee approved a report by its betting/match-fixing working group, which proposed measures that European football should take to address the threat of match-fixing – including the setting up of a network of Integrity Officers at European level.

UEFA will make annual funds available to each national member association to help finance the position of Integrity Officer. UEFA's own Integrity Officer will work alongside their national counterpart, supporting the operation of the network and overseeing intelligence gathering and information exchange and experience.