Czech football rocked by match-fixing scandal on week of World Cup play-off with Ireland
David Trunda, head of the Czech Football Association (FA), revealed on Tuesday that the organisation had initiated the investigation years ago, alerting authorities to suspicions of bribery and rigged matches. Trunda confirmed that 47 people are now facing a disciplinary investigation, vowing: "We will do everything to ensure that the betting mafia disappears from the Czech sports." State prosecutors corroborated the detentions, adding that officers from the organised crime unit conducted raids across the country.
Dozens of individuals have been detained by Czech police in connection with a widespread football match-fixing scandal . David Trunda, head of the Czech Football Association ( FA ), revealed on Tuesday that the organisation had initiated the investigation years ago, alerting authorities to suspicions of bribery and rigged matches. Local media reports suggest the scandal encompasses the top four club leagues and potentially youth competitions.
Trunda confirmed that 47 people are now facing a disciplinary investigation, vowing: "We will do everything to ensure that the betting mafia disappears from the Czech sports. " State prosecutors corroborated the detentions, adding that officers from the organised crime unit conducted raids across the country. 47 people are facing a disciplinary investigation (AP) The scandal emerges just two days before the final stage of World Cup qualifying.
The Czech Republic are set to play Republic of Ireland on Thursday in Prague in their World Cup play-off semi-final. The victor will then host Denmark or North Macedonia for a spot in this summer’s tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Czechs last qualified for the World Cup in 2006.
There is also an ongoing investigation into alleged match-fixing and illegal betting in Turkish football right now. Last month, Turkish authorities detained 32 individuals, including several football club executives. According to a statement from the prosecutor's office, those apprehended are suspected of placing bets on games involving their own clubs, with some even wagering on opposing teams during official fixtures.