Seven year jail for match-fixing; New Zealand proposes strict measures

Lou Vincent was banned for life following his admission in fixing matches

The New Zealand government is processing a bill that enforces a seven-year jail term for sportspersons who involve themselves in fixing malpractices. Despite the country already have an existing law that controls match-fixing, the law will apply more scrutiny over the illegal activity.

Former Kiwi international cricketer Lou Vincent was banned for life after he confessed his involvement in match-fixing.

"Match-fixing is a growing problem internationally and has been described as the number one threat to the integrity, value and growth of sport. As we have seen from recent events, New Zealand is not immune to this threat," Sports Minister Murray McCully informed.

New Zealand have planned this move now in sight of two big sporting events in the upcoming year. The Oceanic country is about to play hosts to the Cricket World Cup in 2015, following which they will host the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. The Match-Fixing Bill received unanimous support in Parliament when it was introduced on Thursday.

Speaking on the proposed bill, opposition sports spokesman Trevor Mallard stated that the bill will make it "very clear that match-fixing is a crime. This puts it beyond any doubt whatsoever.”