Led by Michael Hershman, the chief executive of the ICSS Group, the unit will offer investigation services, specialised training and independent integrity advice.

This, it is hoped, will help support governing bodies, law enforcement and athletes while investigations into alleged misconduct and integrity violations are ongoing.

As part of its services, the SIU will also provide support and training to investigate allegations across several areas adversely affecting sport.

These include administrative corruption and misconduct, match fixing, illegal betting and money laundering, athlete welfare, including sexual harassment and abuse, conflicts of interest and ethics cases as well as human trafficking.

The SIU will be led by two ICSS directors and experienced senior investigators, Fred Lord and Dale Sheehan.

The duo boast 60 years of international experience in the anti-corruption and law enforcement sector, including senior management roles at the International Police Organisation's (INTERPOL) Sport Integrity division, as well as within the Australian police force and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The ICSS will also be able to draw on additional resources and the expertise of other staff members, including counter-terrorism officers and sports lawyers.

"The establishment of a dedicated special investigations unit by the ICSS is another significant step forward in the evolution of the ICSS and aims to provide an important and independent investigations service for organisations and individuals across the sports industry," said Hershman.

"With many governing bodies and organisations across the sports movement continuing to adapt their integrity and safeguarding resources, it was vital that the ICSS builds on its existing portfolio of projects within the sport integrity marketplace and formalises the creation of a structured and dedicated ICSS Special Investigations Unit.

"It will provide an additional and dedicated integrity resource for Presidents, c-level executives, Executive Committees, General Counsels and outside law firms working in the sports industry.

"On behalf of the ICSS, I am excited to the launch the new SIU, which further underlines the ICSS’s expertise and experience in the field of sport integrity, as well as building on previous clients the ICSS has worked with in this area."