RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL), 11 May. (dpa/EP) –
The Brazilian federal police will investigate the alleged systematic fixing of soccer matches, following a request from the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CFB) to the Ministry of Justice, since they have “evidence” that the results of sports competitions have been manipulated.
“There is evidence of manipulation of results in sports competitions with interstate and even international repercussions,” announced the Brazilian Justice Minister, Flavio Dino, on his Twitter account.
The fact is part of the investigations into rigging being carried out by prosecutors from the Brazilian state of Goias, in relation to possible manipulations in Serie A and Serie B matches in 2022, in which 16 club players are being investigated. Brazilians, as well as one from the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Due to these accusations, seven players from Brazilian clubs have been suspended, including two from Paranaense and Coritiba, and one from Cruzeiro, Fluminense, América and Santos. In addition, the Colorado Rapids also confirmed the suspension of their player, whose identity has not been disclosed.
The investigation included raids in six Brazilian states in April, with nine players questioned, in which police were unable to determine whether the fixing had occurred, or whether they had been offered up to $20,100 for rigging the competition.
The CBF stated that it does not plan to suspend the league while the investigation lasts, but its president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, supported the suspensions and called for tougher sanctions if necessary. “Whoever commits crimes should not be part of Brazilian and world soccer,” he asserted.
International football institutions do not lose sight of a case that can directly affect the cleanliness of the sport. “I have been working with FIFA and other international bodies, as well as with Brazilian clubs and federations, to combat any crime, fraud or irregularity in football,” Rodrigues said.