Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Match fixing investigation questions the integrity of football (Soccer for my American pple)
The integrity of football is at stake as one of the biggest
investigation ever into suspected match fixing was reported Monday by European
police.
In the investigation, the police revealed the huge criminal network involved in fixing 100s of matches, including Champions League, and even World Cup qualifiers.
In the investigation, the police revealed the huge criminal network involved in fixing 100s of matches, including Champions League, and even World Cup qualifiers.
The Europol revealed that a 5-county probe had identified about 380
matches targeted by a Singapore-based betting cartel, the illegal activities stretched
to players, referees and officials all over the world and at various levels of
football.
Europol chief Rob Wainwright told a news conference in The
Hague -"It is clear to us that this is the biggest investigation ever into
suspected match fixing,”
He also added-"It is the work of a sophisticated organized
crime syndicate based in Asia and working with criminal facilitators around
Europe," Wainwright.
Following the series of investigations by Europol, 14 people
have been sentenced to a total of 39 years in prison, and over 100 prosecutions are expected.
Europol also claimed that at least 425 referees, players and
other officials were suspected of involvement, with matches rigged so that
major sums of money could be won through betting.
While it is yet unconfirmed, 2 of Europe's Champions League
matches and some World Cup qualifiers are also suspected, Europol said. The
investigations are still on-going and when they are completed, the names of the
teams will be released.
Source-france24
Source-france24
The investigation which was done mainly by Europol and 5
European Countries namely Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, and Finland also
identified over 300 suspicious matches outside Europe in Africa, Asia, and
South and Central America, Europol said.
Belgian coach Paul Put, who currently the head coach for
Burkina Faso was not very surprised by the reports from Europol as he is one of
the very few coaches banned for match fixing for which he served a 3-year ban
in Belgium which expired in 2011.
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