Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) has signed a deal with global football governing body FIFA to promote a smartphone app for tackling match fixing. As per the collaboration agreement, both the organizations will endorse a smartphone that will facilitate anonymous reporting of match-fixing moves.

FIFPRO owns the app called the Red Button app and it will distribute the app to players via the affiliated player associations. It will work in tandem with the existing apps such as FIFA Integrity APP and BKMS and also with other means of match-fixing reporting.

Finland’s player organization created the Red Button app in association with the Finnish government. It is widely considered as the best reporting tool available.

As per the agreement, FIFA will recognize the Red Button app as a valid reporting tool. FIFA will also officially investigate the alert received through the app.

“We are pleased that FIFA has agreed to endorse the Red Button app FIFPRO is making available to professional footballers through our affiliated player associations,” said FIFPRO’s Legal Director Roy Vermeer. “We are confident it will strengthen the hand of football and public authorities in the fight against match fixing.

“With players facing disciplinary action for failing to report a match-fixing approach, there must be a way for them to do this without fear that they are putting themselves, their families and their careers in danger. The Red Button app provides this facility and will help players manage this considerable risk that, through no fault of their own, might confront them at any time.”

Oliver Jaberg, Deputy Chief Legal & Compliance Officer and Director of Integrity & Anti-Doping at FIFA, added: “Safeguarding the integrity of football and ensuring that all participants can play in a safe environment is a top priority for FIFA. This new collaboration with FIFPRO and their Red Button app will provide players with another important and easy-to-use platform to confidentially report any concerns they may have, as well as building on existing reporting platforms in place – like the FIFA Integrity App – that are currently available at national and international level.

“Working together with stakeholders at all levels of football is a key part of FIFA’s approach to protecting the integrity of football and we look forward to collaborating with FIFPRO on this new initiative.”