April 19 – In a nationwide probe named ‘Operação Penalidade Máxima’, a number of top flight matches are under investigation for cases of suspected match-fixing in Brazil, prosecutors said on Tuesday.
Authorities raided the homes of businessmen and players in six Brazilian states and 16 cities. Nine players were being questioned and three suspects were arrested.
Last November, investigators began their probe focused on a limited number of matches, some of them in regional lower leagues, Goiás state prosecutor Fernando Cesconetto said in a press conference.
Victor Ramos of Chapecoense, Igor Cariús of Sport Recife, Kevin Lomonaco of Red Bull Bragantino and Gabriel Tota of Esporte Clube Juventude have reportedly been identified as players who might have been involved in manipulating matches.
Investigators explained that players received offers between $10,000 and $20,000 to perform specific actions during matches, like receiving yellow cards and giving away corner kicks.
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