Belfast match-fixing expert appointed as euro 2016 arbitrator

Professor Jack Anderson from Queen’s University School of Law is among 24 arbitrators appointed to oversee the high-profile tournament in France.

He said: “Typical disputes could involve appeals against a ‘field of play decision’ where a team might query a refereeing error, the eligibility or registration of a player or substitute, a dispute over the criteria used to get to decide who goes forward to the knock-out stages, or appeals against what is claimed to be an unjust or disproportionate suspension of a player of coach.”

Professor Anderson’s study of match fixing in sport has been globally recognised and he has previously worked with Interpol, Fifa, FIFPro and World Rugby.

He is Secretary of the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA), the independent appeal body of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), and is also a member of a United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime expert group on combatting match fixing in sport.

Professor Anderson added: “Being chosen to be an arbitrator for the 2016 Euros is an incredible honour.

“There are lots of issues that may call for an arbitrator and I very much look forward to bringing my experience to the table if required.”

Professor Sally Wheeler, Head of the School of Law at Queen’s University, said they were delighted by the appointment.

Arbitrators are not permitted to deal with disputes relating to their own country.