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European sports ministers meet in Budapest to tackle doping

The conference is aimed at more effectively combating doping, promoting implementation of the Convention on match-fixing and fostering good governance in sport

European Sport Ministers are to converge in Budapest tomorrow to debate ways to effectively tackle issues facing the world of international sports.

The biennial Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport will focus on the topic of "the fight against doping and match-fixing", reports insidethegames.biz today.

The event has been organised by the Council of Europe under its Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) - a major cooperation partnership but one which does not include all its member states.

It is aimed at more effectively combating doping, promoting implementation of the Convention on match-fixing and fostering good governance in sport.

Representatives from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the sports movement will be present at the Conference.

Statements will also be given by the Council of Europe, the Hungarian government and the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.

Discussions will then be held on working "towards better governance in sport through enhanced co-operation between Governmental bodies and stakeholders in sport."

Possible improvements to the transparency of anti-doping procedures and the safeguarding of WADA’s independence have been suggested as questions which will be debated by those present.

A "protocol of agreement" between the Council of Europe and WADA is set to be signed at the conclusion of the Conference.

The Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions and the Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at football matches and other sports events are also set to be signed..