The Alternative World Cup
Millions of fans from the around the globe will be glued to the opening match of the World Cup in Russia. But on Saturday, in front of a much more modest crowd, the final of an alternative international tournament will take place. The CONIFA World Cup is a competition made up of nations, regions and communities who aren't recognised by football's world governing body FIFA. Caroline Barker has been finding out more. You Can Bet On It! So you think you know who's going to win the World Cup don't you ? Brazil are 4-1 favourites....how about a flutter on European champions Portugal? They are 25-1... What about backing a first African winner? Nigeria are the shortest priced team to do so at 150-1. Well whoever you gamble on, the only certainty is that 'sports betting' is a BIG business. It's worth an estimated $700 billion a year. But where there is gambling on sport, there are criminals attempting to influence the result, or pervert the progress of the competition for financial gain. It's called Match Fixing or Spot fixing and its endemic. Former Australian handball player, Catherine Ordway is now an academic and lawyer with Snedden Hall & Gallop. She's a specialist interest in the problems of match fixing... she's concerned about it's impact on the integrity sport itself Safe in South Africa Over the past few decades, Cape Town in South Africa has developed an unfortunate reputation as one of the most crime ridden cities in the world. Many of the young people living in the city’s townships have little opportunities to make something of themselves, and find security in gangs. Sportshour's Mo Allie has been looking at how the "Play Sport 4 Life" organisation is aiming to provide sporting opportunities for young people. Photo: Northern Cyprus players and staff celebrate reaching the 2018 CONIFA Football World Cup Final (Getty Images)