Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

Ottawa – May 25, 2023 – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) launched a new e-learning course to educate Canadian Football League (CFL) players and personnel on the details of the new CFL Match Manipulation Policy – the first of its kind for a professional league in Canada.   

The CFL Match Manipulation Policy has been implemented to maintain the integrity of the league and protect against the increasing threats of match manipulation, also known as competition manipulation. A single CFL game can generate over $6 million in wagers from around the world, which indicates that there exists a risk for the league to be susceptible to match-fixing, and for players and non-players to be targeted by match fixers.

The course takes learners through activities that outline the core components of the policy as well as example scenarios. The components of the policy that have been integrated into the course include, but are not limited to, corruption offences, the consequences of those offences, and how to report incidents of match manipulation and cooperate in related investigations.

“The CFL’s new Match Manipulation Policy provides an important layer of protection for the league against anyone who would try to manipulate events for their gain,” says Jeremy Luke, CCES president and CEO. “As with all policies, it’s essential that everyone who is subject to it has a clear sense of their rights and responsibilities under that policy. The e-learning course the CCES has provided for players and personnel will ensure learners understand the policy’s core elements and gives them the tools to identify match manipulation in practice.”

"When done responsibly, sports wagering can be a way for our fans to better connect with the game they love, but it can also open the possibility for individuals and outcomes to be questioned," said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “The Match Manipulation Policy and its corresponding education safeguards the integrity of our great game and the character of our players, leaders and personnel. As sports wagering grows, we must continue to focus on education, responsibility and accountability throughout the league."

Developed in partnership with McLaren Global Sport Solutions (MGSS), the CFL Match Manipulation Policy is designed specifically for the league and applies to the players and other designated personnel. The policy has four objectives: maintain the integrity of the CFL, protect against efforts to improperly impact the results of CFL games, activities, or the season, establish a uniform rule and consistent scheme of enforcement and sanctions for everyone who is subject to the policy, and ensure that agreements with sportsbooks comply with the CFL Authorized Gaming Operator program requirements.

Match manipulation is recognized as a major threat to the integrity of sport on a global scale and without measures in place to manage sport betting and corruption, it will continue to grow. The CCES is working with trusted partners to protect the integrity of Canadian sport and to educate the sport community about the risks associated with such activities. The CCES and MGSS will host the 2023 Symposium on Competition Manipulation and Gambling in Sport on May 30-31, 2023, in Toronto, Canada. 

About the CCES

The CCES works collaboratively to ensure Canadians have a positive sport experience. Through its programs, the CCES manages unethical issues in sport, protects the integrity of Canadian sport, and promotes True Sport to activate values-based sport on and off the field of play. The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization that is responsible for the administration of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. For more information, visit cces.ca, follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

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