Justice Minister of Brazil, Flávio Dino has officially announced the initiation of a nationwide investigation to examine potential match-fixing within its football sector. According to Minister Dino, results from this in-depth inquiry could possibly lead to significant “international consequences.”
The probe follows the recent suspensions of several players who were reportedly compensated by match-fixers seeking to unlawfully influence the outcomes of certain football games. An initial investigation commenced in Goias, aimed at rooting out fraudulent activities within the premier league teams. However, it subsequently broadened to encompass second-tier matches. Investigators revealed that some players allegedly accepted payments ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for their role in the match-fixing operation.
In response to these troubling findings, Dino announced that the Brazilian Federal Police are set to spearhead this investigation, pursuing allegations of corruption within the professional sporting scene.
In light of tangible evidence of manipulated outcomes in sporting events, which resonates on both a national and international level, I am today instigating an inquiry within the Federal Police to carry out the investigations prescribed by law.
Flávio Dino, Justice Minister of Brazil
Suspensions of Several Players Preceded the Investigation
Multiple players accused of involvement in the match-fixing schemes were handed suspensions before the announcement by Minister Dino. This preliminary action also affected midfielder Max Alves of the Colorado Rapids, who has yet to comment on the matter.
The inquiry materializing in Goias resulted in the provisional suspensions of budding local athletes Bryan Garcia and Pedrinho. Similarly, high-profile clubs like Cruzeiro, Fluminense, and America imposed temporary bans on midfielder Richard, defender Vitor Mendes, and right-back Nino Paraiba, respectively.
In a separate move, Coritiba chose to suspend Alef Manga and Jesus Trindade, a development that occurred despite the legal representatives of the two players issuing categorical denials of their clients’ alleged involvements in match-fixing.
At this stage, none of the professional footballers implicated in the investigation has made an official statement. They have also refrained from responding to requests for comments from The Associated Press, as reported by the news media outlet.
A Plea from the CBD for Moderation in Penalties Faced by Players
Santos, on Tuesday, suspended its defender Eduardo Bauermann, who is suspected of not only participating in match-fixing but also allegedly encouraging other players to join the operation. Odair Hellmann, the team’s coach, expressed deep disappointment at Bauermann’s alleged actions on behalf of the entire team.
In total, 16 individuals are due to face trial over suspected ties to the match-fixing scheme. The primary objective of the ongoing investigation, instituted at the request of the Confederação Brasileira de Desportos (CBD), is to collate and centralize information on the various match-fixing instances.
The CBD further indicated that some of the involved players may themselves be victims of the scheme. It has accordingly urged the government to adopt a measured approach when meting out penalties.
