by Anton Johan
In what has been described as one of the biggest crime rings to be probed in
the history of football, authorities across Europe have arrested members of
criminal gangs suspected of match fixing.
Authorities say that over 200 football games will be investigated as part of
the probe into the activities of these criminal gangs and as a crackdown on
match fixing in the sport.
European police carried out raids on the criminals who allegedly bet on the
outcome of games after they fixed football matches.
German prosecutors say that 12 games that will be under investigation were
played in the UEFA Europa League, while at least three were Champions
League games.
UEFA, the Union or European Football Association, is providing information
from its Early Warning System, which detects unusual betting patterns, to help
European authorities with their investigations.
Two people have been arrested in Switzerland, while at least 15 people were
arrested in Germany.
Altogether, nine countries are under investigation: Germany, Switzerland,
Belgium, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Turkey, Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovinia.
UEFA General Secretary, Gianni Infantino, thanked the German authorities for
their action and collaboration. "This case proves that it is possible for a
state investigative authority to work closely with a sports governing body when
it comes to corruption or match fixing," he said, "and it is gratifying to see
that the Betting Fraud Detection System endorsed by the UEFA President, Michel
Platini, is already bearing fruit."
"We will continue our battle against any form of corruption in European
football with a mission of zero tolerance," said Infantino. "UEFA will be
demanding the harshest of sanctions before the competent courts for any
individuals, clubs or officials who are implicated in this malpractice, be it
under state or sports jurisdiction."
