Match-fixing scandal grows

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A TV programme aired by Flemish public broadcaster VRT has led to an investigation into match-fixing involving seven Belgian first-division games and several teams, with club La Louviere singled out as the main culprit.

In the programme, 14 suspects were named in the case including the Chinese /Taiwanese businessman Ye Zheyun. Zheyun allegedly bought stakes in several Belgian clubs with an eye toward manipulating the clubs and then placing bets on those clubs. The allegations have produced a public outcry in Belgium and strong words from country’s football association. “Any club found guilty will be thrown out,” Jean- Marie Philips, chairman of the Belgian Professional League, told Reuters. “We intend to use the ultimate sanctions necessary.”

Belgian police first opened an investigation in November after reports of unusually heavy betting on several games. “We are continuing with our investigation. There are two cases opened in Brussels and elsewhere there are cases in Hasselt, Mechelen, Lierse and Bergen/Mons,” a spokesman for the public prosecutor said. A UEFA spokesperson said it would honor any action handed out by the Belgian FA. “One team is bad, but three or four is a disaster. But we will hand down the same punishment, no matter how many teams are involved,” Philips said.

All clubs named in the programme have denied any wrongdoing. Also, several individuals have filed libel suits against VRT, including Pietro Allatta, the agent for Anderlecht goalkeeper Silvio Proto. Both were named as main suspects by the programme. Others taking similar action include Albert Cartier, the current FC Brussels coach who coached at La Louviere last season; Mario Espartero, a former La Louviere player now playing for FC Brussels; and former manager of La Louviere Stephane Pauwels. La Louviere's Chairman Filippo Gaone said the documentary was an attack on his club. The club, its manager Chris Benoit and its lawyer Laurent Denis, are taking separate legal actions against the program's makers and their anonymous witness.

Gilbert Bodart has resigned as coach of La Louviere, but maintains his innocence, and explains the decision was made to protect his family from the media. “My family has been the victim of insults and jealousy,” he said. "I have done nothing wrong.”

Two players and an assistant coach suspended by Lierse, and two players and a coach sacked by fellow First Division club Anderlecht. Lierse general manager Danny Araf told Reuters that defender Laurent Fassotte, goalkeeper Cliff Mardulier and goalkeeping coach Patrick Deman have been suspended by the club after strong evidence emerged that they were involved in match-fixing. All three had their homes searched by investigators.

“Our lawyers have told us we can take this course of action as they say they have evidence of wrong-doing on the part of the three,” Araf said. “They have questioned the three and also met with the public prosecutor.”

Lierse’s ex-coach, Paul Put, who took over at Excelsior Mouscron this season was sacked by the club after admitting to that he fixed two matches. However, Put said he took the action because he and his family were threatened with violence.

In addition, two ex-Lierse players, Marius Mitu and Laurent Delorge, were let go by current club Anderlecht after admitting to investigators that they influenced the outcome of matches while playing for Lierse last season.

“During discussions this morning, the players admitted to me that they had been involved in this match-fixingat Lierse," Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck said. "We have no confidence in these players and have decided now to terminate their contracts with immediate effect.”

In addition to its reputation, Lierse’s finances are also suffering because of the scandal. Krefima, Lierse’s sponsor since 1988, voided its contract with the club a year early. “This scandal will get bigger before its finished,” Lierse chairman, Leo Theyskens declared.