The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has announced the appointment of Jean-François Reymond as its Athlete Education Ambassador.
The appointment highlights IBIA’s ongoing commitment to raising the standard of betting education in all sports globally, and especially in the dynamic and fast-growing new markets of North and South America.
Jean-François Reymond will work closely with key stakeholders, notably player associations and IBIA partners, across a range of jurisdictions to establish and support betting education campaigns.
Reymond brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with sportspeople and the regulated betting industry in this area. A professional basketball player for over 12 years, Reymond became EU Athletes General Secretary in 2012, where he led two major European sports betting education projects.
He was a member of the French national platform against manipulation of sports competitions from 2016-19 and until 2017 he was also vice president of the World Association of Players.
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA stated: “Jean-François has been at the forefront of education for betting integrity in Europe since its inception. He has led the development of key principles on sports betting for athletes and, as a former professional, his understanding of the importance of establishing trust and direct access to players has been instrumental in shaping the way betting education is approached”.
“I am delighted that we can rely on Jean-François’ unparalleled experience, knowledge and connections to develop bespoke training programs for male and female athletes to help them understand the challenges and threats in this area.”
Speaking after his appointment, Jean-François Reymond said: “Protecting the integrity of sport means protecting the integrity of athletes. The lack of awareness of a growing number of different regulatory models and sport rules is creating an increasingly challenging environment for athletes. “.
“The impact on their professional careers, reputations and livelihoods can be severe, as we have unfortunately witnessed recently in the NFL. This is what motivates me, as a former pro, to deliver this important message to all athletes.”
“I am delighted to be working with IBIA to support them in their mission to help promote and raise the standard of education and understanding around sports betting,” concluded Reymond.
About IBIA and its actions
IBIA is the leading global voice in the regulated betting industry fighting corruption to protect the integrity of sport. In February, as part of its international expansion, it announced the launch of its health monitoring service in the US and Canada.
The association also recently signed working agreements in partnership with the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) and the Colombian equivalent, the Federation of Entrepreneurs of Games of Luck and Chance (FECOLJUEGOS), to work on projects focused on protecting the integrity of the sport and the regulated betting against corrupt activities in these markets.
