Europol reveals that a Champions League match in England is among 680 globally suspected fixed matches linked to an Asian organized crime syndicate. The investigation has implicated 425 individuals, uncovering extensive gambling activities, with financial stakes in Germany alone amounting to £13.8m. The FA and UEFA remain unaware of the investigation concerning the implicated match.
Investigations reveal that a Champions League match played in England is among 680 globally suspected of being fixed. The identity of this match remains undisclosed due to ongoing legal proceedings. Europol has traced an Asian organized crime syndicate coordinating these corrupt activities, with 425 individuals, including players, officials, and criminals implicated.
Europol’s findings, presented at a press conference in The Hague, indicate that the fixed match occurred within the last three to four years, although specifics can’t be released yet. Furthermore, the agency has found suspicious matches beyond England, including World Cup qualifiers and notable European league games.
In Germany alone, an estimated £13.8m (approximately 16m euros) was wagered on fixed matches, resulting in profits around £6.9m. Europol’s investigation, ongoing for 18 months, reveals the extent of the issue across Europe, with 380 suspicious matches identified in Europe and an additional 300 across continents such as Africa and Asia.
Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol, stated, “This is the work of a suspected organized crime syndicate based in Asia and operated with criminal networks around Europe.” The claims highlight concerns over the integrity of football, catalyzing a significant investigation into match-fixing.
The inquiry has also uncovered payments totaling £1.73m made to various participants involved in these schemes. Payments include £121,000 made to an individual in Austria, with the involvement of a Singapore-based syndicate reportedly coordinating with European criminal entities. Around 50 arrests have been made across 30 countries, addressing corruption that spans lower-tier matches as well.
German authorities detailed a sophisticated global network enabling bribes amounting to £86,000 for fixing matches. In total, 14 individuals in Germany have received jail sentences totaling 39 years for their roles. Convictions have also been made in Finland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Austria.
While discussing the implicated Champions League match in England, Wainwright refrained from naming it due to ongoing investigations. He remarked on the overall scale of organized crime being more extensive than anticipated. The Football Association (FA) and UEFA were reportedly unaware of the investigation, reinforcing a prevailing concern regarding the potential impact on the integrity of English football.
Both the FA and UEFA expressed their commitment to maintaining the integrity of football, stating they actively monitor for suspicious activities. Although unaware of the investigation, UEFA has indicated a willingness to cooperate fully with Europol in addressing any allegations of match-fixing in European competitions.
The investigation by Europol unveils alarming instances of match-fixing, implicating a network that spans several countries, including a specific Champions League match in England. More than 680 fixtures worldwide are currently under suspicion as a result of organized crime from Asia. With the involvement of significant financial investments and multiple arrests, this ongoing issue poses a serious risk to the sport’s integrity.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
