10 Jan 2013

Match fixers in Russia face seven years in jail

12:13 pm on 10 January 2013

Sport match-fixers in Russia could face seven years in jail under new legislation submitted to the state parliament by President Vladimir Putin.

The new law bans officials and players from betting on sports events they are participating in.

Experts says widespread match-fixing and corruption are rife in Russian sport as the country prepares to host several major events, including the 2014 Winter Olympics and football's World Cup in 2018.