Source: Liverpool_Echo
Former Liverpool FC supremo Rick Parry warns one fixing scandal could devastate British sport
FORMER Liverpool FC chief executive Rick Parry has warned that one major match-fixing scandal could devastate British sport.[LNB]The one-time Anfield supremo wants tougher prison sentences and a new anti-corruption unit to prevent gambling on sport leading to match-fixing, after chairing a review into betting.[LNB]The proposed unit, called the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, would be housed within the Gambling Commission.[LNB]The review was commissioned by sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe following increasing concerns about betting on sport leading to cheating.[LNB]Parry said: 'There is no great evidence at the moment that corruption is endemic, but just one problem can have a huge impact on a sport so there is no room for complacency.[LNB]'We have to take the toughest possible approach if we want to stamp out cheating.'[LNB]Parry believes the current two-year maximum prison term for cheating on sports gambling is too lenient.[LNB]He added: 'This is potentially a very serious offence and more severe sanctions would put it higher on the police's radar.'[LNB]Parry said it was unrealistic for the UK to move to the American system where almost all betting on sport is banned.
