The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) has adopted a series of integrity measures with immediate effect and to include the CFU Cup which kicks off. While there has never been allegation of match-fixing in the Caribbean, the measures will warn and educate players and officials of one of the biggest challenges facing top level football worldwide.

The Competition Integrity Measures, first introduced by regional confederation CONCACAF for its Women’s U-20 Championship last month, consist of an Integrity Declaration form for players and officials to sign; information material for players and referees about the threat of match fixing; contact details for reporting any incident; and integrity presentations for players, referees and other officials an advice on how to react if they are approached.

President of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Gordon Derrick, said: “While it is sad that the game now requires these documents, I am at the same time proud to see that the CFU is helping to create the enabling environment for the game to be protected…

“We are a proud people in the region who love this game. Our competitive desire far overrides the will to cheat, and we want that standard to remain in all of our competitions across the Caribbean. So with welcome arms we agree with CONCACAF and support this initiative.”

The CFU Cup kicks off March 19-26 with three groups playing for places in the final rounds set for April 16-21. The top three clubs form the final round qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League.