February 24 – Spain’s LaLiga has confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding a possible case of match-fixing during a Copa del Rey match two years ago.
The Spanish league said it had filed a formal complaint to the National Police Center for Sports Integrity and Gambling (CENPIDA) following an anonymous tip regarding the first-round match between Levante and minnows Huracán Melilla, which Levante won 8-0.
Six people connected to Huracán have already been questioned. No one from Levante was involved in the alleged irregularities, the league said, and Levante – currently in the second division but in the top flight at the time – confirmed it had nothing to do with the allegations.
Huracán Melilla were only founded in 2020 and play in the fifth tier of Spanish football having been promoted last season.
The club said it will cooperate with authorities and punish anyone found guilty. One of those arrested, according to police, was a former Huracan player for allegedly participating in fixing several matches in order to profit from betting.
“The club have always defended fair and clean play and will do everything necessary to fight against fraud,” a Huracan statement said.
“We want to make clear that if any active member of the club is involved, disciplinary and judicial actions will be taken immediately.”
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