Europol announced at a press conference in The Hague that the agency dismantled a criminal network which fixed the result of 380 soccer matches across Europe, for a total betting profit of 8 million euros ($10.9 million) and €2 million paid in bribes.
What is new, besides the importance of updated information on match fixing is the importance of the games involved in the scandal. According to Europol, the investigation concerns Champions League matches and qualifying matches for the World Cup or Euro. Europlo Police Office, the European Union’s law enforcement agency announced that 425 referees, players and club managers are subject of investigation. “It is clear to us this is the biggest-ever investigation into suspected match-fixing in Europe,” said Europol Director Rob Wainwright.
Oliver Bierhoff, Germany manager, declined to comment as “these aren’t official numbers. As a responsible person it is important to see the figures first… But if the numbers were accurate then it really would be shocking.” Felipe Scolari, head coach of Brazil said: “We want football to be transparent, so everybody believes in the game. The investigations will probably continue.”
According to the Guardian website, which announced that a match of the Champions League played on English territory is subject to investigation, Europol said that the criminal organization behind this scandal would be based in Asia, but work with criminals across Europe. Match fixing was done in 15 countries, and 50 people have been arrested. Europol shows that most match fixing was done in Swiss, German and Turkish championships. But matches in other countries are also investigated. The names of those involved were not revealed because the investigation continues, said Europol.
One match was mentioned so far: it is a under 20 Bolivia – Argentina match, during which the referee awarded a penalty to Argentina after 13 minutes of injury time. The same official was involved in another dubious refereeing: in February 2011, during a Bulgaria-Estonia friendly match that he officiated, the score was 2-2 with four penalties awarded.
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