【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. alleged /əˈlɛdʒd, əˈlɛdʒɪd/ (adj.) – having no factual basis
Example: The athlete who is an alleged user of illegal drugs is still under investigation.
2. fix /fɪks/ (v.) – to influence an outcome in an illegal way
Example: Michael Jordan did not want to participate in fixing a game.
3. bail out /ˈbeɪlˌ
aʊt/ (v.) – to use money in order to be released from jail
Example: The athlete cannot bail out from jail because the amount is too expensive.
4. charge /tʃɑrdʒ/ (n.) – an accusation about a crime
Example: The actress filed robbery charges against the athletes.
5. fraud /frɔd/ (n.) – the use of false claims to fool others and earn something
Example: People who commit fraud can be imprisoned.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) arrested seven men for their alleged participation in match fixing incidents in English football games.
Five of the seven suspects have already bailed out. On the other hand, the two remaining men are still under investigation for charges of illegal betting and influencing the outcomes of league matches.
The NCA, in cooperation with the Gambling Commission and the Football Association, said these arrests may reveal more information about an international syndicate that is liable for the illegal betting activities. Asian match-fixers are reportedly involved in arranging games in lower leagues of English professional soccer.
A British newspaper exposed that according to one of the offenders, the results of three matches played by a single team can be fixed for £50,000 or $81,500. The Football League, which handles lower level soccer competitions, acknowledged the news reports about the match fixing investigation. However, the league said that it has not yet discussed the issue with the NCA.
Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey shared that this fraud is a very serious matter. Football authorities are specifically concerned with how match-fixing affects the integrity of the sport.
Last February, European Police Office examined 680 games played worldwide that appeared to be fixed. The investigation included two European Champions League games. Recently, FIFA, the international governing body of football associations, suspended four British players for allegedly participating in match fixing incidents in the Victoria Premier League in Australia.
|
【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· How do you think authorities can solve this match fixing problem in football?
· How can professional soccer players help solve this problem? Please explain briefly.
Discussion B
· Why do you think some people cheat in sports?
· In your opinion, how can we maintain sport integrity?
