A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Interpol secretary general Ronald Noble and IOC President Thomas Bach aims to provide a framework for enhanced collaboration between the two organisations.

Interpol will work with the IOC to identify and address issues which could affect the security and integrity of matches and competitions, such as doping, match-fixing and illegal or irregular sports betting activities, and attempted corruption of match officials and players, particularly during the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games.

"Interpol has the ability and the necessary instruments to instigate cross-border investigations, coordinate different law enforcement bodies, and gather intelligence. In our determined fight to protect the integrity of sport on behalf of clean athletes," said Bach.

"Interpol's involvement is absolutely crucial.

"The MoU has further cemented the close relationship we already enjoy."

Interpol's secretary general Ronald Noble claims the new agreement with the IOC "represents a significant step forward in protecting the integrity of sport" ©AFP/Getty Images

The agreement also provides for the world police body to give additional support to the IOC in ensuring the security of international matches and competitions.

"As the world's largest law enforcement organisation, it is natural for Interpol to team up with the International Olympic Committee to secure and protect such universal events as the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games," said Noble.

"It is by providing the widest possible law enforcement support to global sports events that fans, competitors and officials can enjoy them as safely and securely as possible.

"Without our collective commitment and action against threats such as illegal and irregular betting, the confidence in fair play by the public and our youth will erode and eventually vanish.

"Interpol's agreement with the International Olympic Committee therefore represents a significant step forward in protecting the integrity of sport."

Last year, before stepping down as IOC President, Jacques Rogge warned how "sport is in danger" and "illegal gambling is now a greater scourge for world sport than doping".

Bach has heeded the warning of his predecessor and last month set-up a $10 million (£6 million/€7 million) fund to protect athletes from "any kind of manipulation or related corruption".

In a separate agreement with Rio 2016 signed in October 2013, Interpol will provide additional support to the Brazilian authorities in ensuring the safety and security of the event by deploying an Interpol Major Events Support Team (IMEST) to Brazil.

The first IMEST was deployed in 2002 to the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and, to date, more than 90 teams have been deployed to countries across the world, including to Summer and Winter Olympics and Paralympics, as well as to international football events.

In 2011 Interpol created its Integrity in Sport Unit as part of a 10-year venture it agreed with FIFA to target match-fixing as well as illegal and irregular betting across the globe.

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