UEFA and DFB take action against match-fixing

The DFB, German Football Association, have launched a comprehensive investigation into matching fixing cases in the country, as UEFA is involved in a Europe-wide investigation.

In Germany, there are 32 matches in question, all of which were played by second division and lower league clubs. Germany is only one out of nine countries under scrutiny, which include Croatia, Belgium, Switzerland, Slovenia, Turkey, Hungary, Austria and Bosnia. The State Prosecutors of Bochum are studying the cases in Germany.

Approximately 200 people are suspected to be involved, and police have made several arrests of individuals who are believed to be the leaders of the illegal operation. These principals are believed to have made GBP 9 million as a result of bribery acts between betters and coaches, players, officials and referees.

UEFA released a statement on its website confirming that the governing body is involved in the match fixing investigations, particularly within Germany. Overall there are 40 suspected matches have been identified via UEFA’s Betting Fraud Detection System, including 12 UEFA Europa League matches and three UEFA Champions League matches.

Specific matches involved will be revealed at a later date.