Match-fixing: How criminal gangs cash in on football

SPECIAL REPORT
By Stefan Coerts from The Hague

Fans, journalists, players and coaches across the world often refer to football as "the beautiful game" when they discuss the sport they so dearly love.

However, football is encountering more and more difficulties to live up to its fabled reputation as the latest scandal rocked the game on Monday.

The European Police Office revealed at a press conference in The Hague that a major investigation involving police teams from 13 European countries has uncovered an extensive criminal network involved in match-fixing. A total of 425 match officials, club officials, players and serious criminals from over 15 countries are suspected of being involved in attempts to fix more than 380 professional football matches.

Worryingly, among the suspicious games in this case are World Cup and European Championship qualifiers, Champions League clashes, and several top-flight game s across Europe, thus underlining the significance of the problem. Match-fixing happens anywhere, investigators claimed, from the lower-profile leagues right to the very top of the game.

The main betting syndicate believed to be behind the scandal has primarily been betting on the Asian market, but its tentacles are spread across Europe and links were found to Russian-speaking and other European crime organisations.

Hungarian investigator Bajan Nemeth explained how the head of the Singapore-based syndicate has a number of people below him who are tasked with organising the bribing of match officials, club officials and players.

"The Hungarian syndicate member, who was one of five men immediately below the ringleader, was in direct touch with referees who could attempt to influence the result in games where they were in charge all across the globe. Accomplices would then place place bets online or by phone with bookmakers in Asia," Nemeth said .

More than 2 million in corrupt payments were claimed to have been made by those involved in rigging the 380 games, with the biggest payment made to an individual being a sum of 140,000.

A costly investment? Not so much. Profits gained from match-fixing can be as high as 700,000, a sum alleged to have been made by the gambling syndicate on an Austrian game back in 2009.

Scandal German referees raised concerns over Robert Hoyzer's integrity in 2005
Another popular, and slightly more advanced scheme, is where the crime syndicate uses seemingly legitimate companies to arrange international friendlies for often cash-strapped national football associations, offering a fee in exchange for the right to organise friendly matches. With many international friendlie s taking place without Fifa sanctioning, the front company is in charge of picking a referee, giving themselves the chance to appoint a corrupt official.

"Every member association is responsible for organising and supervising football in its country," Fifa spokesman Wolfgang Resch told ESPN last year. "The control of referees and officials falls into it."

The adage "anything can happen in football" suddenly has a completely different meaning. One of the most unpredictable sports in the world? Not for the people in charge of certain criminal organisations.


The Europol probe follows on from a string of match-fixing controversies since the 2005 Bundesliga scandal, as countries such as Turkey, Greece,Zimbabwe, South Africa and South Korea have all been rocked by comparable scandals. The 2006 Calciopoli scandal, although unrelated to gambling syndicates, which saw Juventus relegated, and the likes of AC Milan, Lazio, and lat er Inter, implicated involved the influencing of refereeing designations. Another betting controversy erupted in Italy in 2011, while Javier Tebas, vice-president of La Liga, stated in January that a number of games in Spain had been rigged in recent years.

Can match-fixing be stopped, though? Europol's investigation surely seems to suggest it is a battle that can be won if fought with the right weapons.

Nevertheless, Europol director Rob Wainwright's fears that the recent findings are just "the tip of the iceberg", are an indication that a long and tough fight could be on the cards.

For now, football's reputation has taken a serious hit, and Fifa, Uefa and every other football association should heed the warnings found in the Europol case.

Matthaus shocked at match-fixing revelations

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has admitted that he was shocked to hear revelations that 380 matches in recent years are under suspicion of match-fixing.

The 150-cap former international believes that such activities denigrate the name of the sport which he loves.

"Football is played around the world, and there is always some black sheep trying to take advantage of this beautiful sport illegally," he told Sky Germany.

"I have never been involved with such things because I have always believed in the positive side of football. But you can see what is happening all around the world of football."

A profit of around 8 million was allegedly made by the betting syndicate, which is believed to be based in Asia.

Injury rules Song out of Cameroon game

Barcelona midfielder Alex Song has been ruled out of Cameroon's friendly with Tanzania on Wednesday with a knee injury.

The 25-year-old former Arsenal player had been due to take part in the game in Dar es Salaam but he will now not travel.

Song has felt a twinge in his left knee and as a precaution, he will not be travelling with the Cameroon squad," said a statement on Barca's website, fcbarcelona.com.

Song has won 36 caps for Cameroon, but is yet to score for his country having made his debut in 2005. He was recently voted the worst La Liga signing of the season so far by readers of Spanish magazine Marca, along with Luka Modric.

The injury blow follows news that Cameroon will also be without striker Samuel Eto'o, who is struggling with a back problem.

Cameroon have endured a disappointing 12 months, culminating in their fai lure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which is currently taking place in South Africa.

Karpin 'unaware' of alleged doping at Real Sociedad

Former Real Sociedad midfielder Valeri Karpin says he was "unaware" of doping at the club despite claims by former a president, Inaki Badiola, that it existed.

Badiola, whose reign lasted from January 2008 to the following December, claimed on Monday his former club had been purchasing illegal substances for a six-year period from 2001 until 2007.

However, former Sociedad player Karpin, who was at the Basque outfit between 2002 and 2005, has refuted the claims.

I cannot answer anything on that. Im not aware of whether the team used doping or not, commented the current Spartak Moscow coach.

Do I believe the club doctors supplied banned substances to the players? No.

It was time for a change, says Willian

Anzhi Makhachkala winger Willian says it was "time for a change", after completing a move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January.

The Brazil international moved to Russia for a reported 35 million fee and signed a contract until 2017 with Guus Hiddink's side, and although many believes the switch was financially motivated, he insists that was not the case.

"I've earned quite a lot of money in Donetsk," the 24-year-old told Sport Express.

"With Shakhtar I also won a set of titles not only in Ukraine but in Europe also. I felt comfortable there. But the time for change has come."

The Corinthians winger also revealed that conversations with the club's owners over their long-term ambitions helped to sway his decision.

"My conversation with Anzhi owner Suleiman Kerimov decided everything," Willian said.

"After that I decided to join Anzhi. The club management are not only thinking about short-term gains, th ey really want to create a serious football infrastructure in Dagestan, to lift the game in the republic to a higher level."

Willian appeared 140 times for his former club Shakhtar, scoring 20 goals in total.

Willian completes 35 million Anzhi Makhachkala move

Anzhi Makhachkala have announced on their official website that they have completed the transfer of Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk for 35 million. The Brazil international has signed a contract until December 2017 with the Russian side.

Anzhi coach Guus Hiddink was keen to add some fresh blood to his squad as the Dagestan outfit are gunning for the domestic title, and he had earmarked Willian as the perfect addition.

Shakhtar were keen to hold on to the attacking midfielder, but had no other option but to accept Anzhi's offer as they triggered the 24-year-old's release clause.

"There is a club willing to pay the release clause in his contract, and Willian agreed to move. There is nothing I can do," commented Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu earlier this week.

Willian will join Anzhi at their training camp in Marbella on Saturday, but will have to wait for his official debut until the Russian league resumes after the winter break.

Anzhi currently sit second in the table with 41 points from 19 games, trailing leaders CSKA Moscow by two points.

M'Vila France ban reduced by four months

Rubin Kazan midfielder Yann M'Vila can dream of featuring at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil again after his France ban was reduced by four months on appeal.

The former Stade Rennais star was initially banned until June 30, 2014, but he will now be available for the national team again from March 1, 2014 after successfully appealing his punishment.

"Yann M'Vila's suspension from all national teams from Nov. 12, 2012 until June 30, 2014, with a suspended period from March 1 to June 30, 2014, is now confirmed," the French football federation (FFF) said in an official statement.

M'Vila was one of five France Under-21 players who were handed bans by FFF after visiting a nightclub ahead of the decisive European Championship qualifier against Norway last year.

The 22-year-old had previously received a warning for his behaviour at Euro 2012.

Drenthe seals Alania Vladikavkaz switch

Alania Vladikavkaz have confirmed on their official website that they have secured the services of former Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe on a free transfer.

The Netherlands international had been without a club ever since leaving Everton last summer after an unsuccessful one-year loan spell, and will now be looking to get his career back on track at the Russian outfit.

Drenthe, 25, has signed a contract with Alania until the summer of 2016.

"We hope that he will become one of the team's leaders. We did not only bring him in for his fine technique and pace, but also because of his personality," head coach Valery Gazzaev commented on the move.

The left-footed winger came through the ranks of the Feyenoord youth academy, and joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2007 after impressing at the European Under-21 Championship.

He has since had temporary loan spells with Hercules and Everton.

Willian delighted to sign for Anzhi Makhachkala

Willian has spoken of his pleasure at signing for Anzhi Makhachkala from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported 35 million fee.

The 24-year-old had previously been strongly linked with a move to either Chelsea or Tottenham, but he elected to join the Russian side instead.

"I'm happy to be with Anzhi!" he told his new team's website. "This is a club with serious infrastructure and big goals.

"They have a strong team managed by one of the best coaches in the world. I'm sincerely happy to become a football player for the Dagestani team."

The Brazilian international will provide yet more attacking talent in a side that already has the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Lacina Traore and Mbark Boussoufa at its disposal.

Willian also spoke affectionately of his former club Shakhtar Donetsk, but admitted that "now it's time for a new step in my life".

"I spent five and a half years in Donetsk. There were great people and great rela tionships within the squad. We won numerous titles and I wish success to my former team-mates."

Anzhi are currently second in the Russian league, but with no fixtures until March they will focus their attention on their Europa League clash with Hannover in February.

Ireland duo Pilkington & McGeady ruled out of Poland friendly

The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that neither Anthony Pilkington nor Aiden McGeady will feature in Wednesday's friendly with Poland at the Aviva Stadium.

Norwich City attacking midfielder Pilkington had been expected to make his Irish debut in midweek, but was forced off injured after just 24 minutes of the Canaries' Premier League tie with QPR.

Scans confirmed that the 24-year-old picked up a hamstring strain, with Pilkington taking to Twitter to express his disappointment.

"Gutted I can't meet up with the @FAIreland squad tomorrow because of my Hamstring strain! Hopefully get back fit and get in the next squad," Pilkington tweeted.

Aiden McGeady watched from the sidelines on Thursday as Spartak Moscow beat Bunyodkor Tashkent 2-1 in a mid-season friendly due to an ankle injury.

An FAI press release stated that the winger will "remain at his club for further treatment", while also adding that "an upd ate will be issued later today should the manager decide to call in any replacements".

Willian completes Anzhi Makhachkala move

Anzhi Makhachkala have announced on their official website that they have completed the transfer of Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk for 35 million. The Brazil international has signed a contract until December 2017 with the Russian side.

Anzhi coach Guus Hiddink was keen to add some fresh blood to his squad as the Dagestan outfit are gunning for the domestic title, and he had earmarked Willian as the perfect addition.

Shakhtar were keen to hold on to the attacking midfielder, but had no other option but to accept Anzhi's offer as they triggered the 24-year-old's release clause.

"There is a club willing to pay the release clause in his contract, and Willian agreed to move. There is nothing I can do," commented Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu earlier this week.

Willian will join Anzhi at their training camp in Marbella on Saturday, but will have to wait for his official debut until the Russian league resumes after the winter break.

Anzhi currently sit second in the table with 41 points from 19 games, trailing leaders CSKA Moscow by two points.

Press prevented Zenit move, says Abate's agent

The agent of AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate has said a transfer to Zenit Saint Petersburg would have happened had the press not become involved.

The Italy international was widely linked with a move to the Russian giants during the January transfer window, but ultimately remained with the Rossoneri.

"I think the fact that the move was leaked probably stopped it," Andrea D'Amico told Calciomercato.

"In football, news should only be spread when a deal is actually completed," he added.

Abate played all 90 minutes of Milan's last competitive fixture, a 1-0 away win over 10-man Atlanta in Serie A.

Close but no cigar: The deals that collapsed on deadline day

Transfer deadline days are among the most manic times in the footballing calendar. It turns rational reporters into raving lunatics, has fans crossing their fingers for a new faces and makes a mockery of coaches who agree to last-minute signings they would never dream of sanctioning at any other time.

However, despite the flurry of activity, not every deal on transfer deadline day was completed, and there were a few high-profile moves which looked on the cards only to fall apart at the last moment.

The most comical of Thursday's near-misses was Peter Odemwingie. In what will go down as a deadline day classic, the West Brom striker rocked up at Loftus Road without the Baggies' permission to talk to QPR in a desperate attempt to force through a transfer. His club had already rejected several bids. And so he waited outisde the ground for a transfer to come to fruition, but to no avail. The next time he turns up to training with his team-mates, it might be just a little awkward ...

Another last-gasp failure was Pajtim Kasami's temporary swap to Pescara from Fulham. Not for the loan move itself collapsing, but for his agent Mino Raiola's reaction to why it fell through. He furiously fumed to La Gazzetta dello Sport: "There was no [internet] connection to finalise the deal. F*** off. You can't do transfers in this s*** hotel."

Another deal that remained unsealed - once again involving Fulham - was Maarten Stekelenburg's loan move to Craven Cottage from Roma. The goalkeeper landed in London expecting to spend the next five months in the Premier League, having fallen out of favour at his Serie A side. However, the Giallorossi failed to find an adequate back-up and the deadline day deal fell through, leaving Stekelenburg to make what must have been a frustrating flight back to the Italian capital. The Netherlands international told sport-promotion.nl: "I really wanted to play for Fulham because it is a beautiful club and the Premier League is not bad either, to be using an understatement."

Everton's 10 million move for Leroy Fer was one of the more surprisingly implosions in January. The fee had been set with Twente, the terms had been agreed, the medical had been undertaken... and yet, no move occurred. What exactly happened is up for debate, with reports ranging from medical issues cropping up to the Toffees trying to renegotiate the fee after everything was concluded. Talks are rumoured to be renewed in the summer, but for now at least the move is a goner.

Finally, Aiden McGeady looked set to end his exile from the British Isles on Thursday, with Wigan set to sign the Republic of Ireland winger for 5m from Spartak Moscow. However, the Latics either failed to convince McGeady to join the relegation-threatened side, or the Russian club simp ly refused to part with their player for the price tag on offer. Roberto Martinez said late on deadline day: "It's not going to happen. Aiden is a phenomenal footballer, but is a footballer that is playing his football in Russia. I don't think that's going to change."

Samba passes medical ahead of QPR move

By Wayne Veysey Chief Correspondent

Christopher Samba has passed a medical ahead of his proposed move to QPR, Goal.com can confirm.

The former Blackburn Rovers defender is set to complete his transfer from Anzhi Makhachkala to the Premier League strugglers on Thursday after QPR activated his release clause, believed to be in the region of 12.5 million, on Wednesday.

Harry Redknapp has been desperate to reinforce his defence following the departures of Anton Ferdinand and Ryan Nelsen this month and had previously been linked with a move for Fulhams Brede Hangeland.

The former Tottenham manager, who has already added South Korean left-back Yoon Suk-Young to his squad, revealed his interest his interest in the giant centre-back before his sides midweek draw with Manchester City.

"I think Chris Sambas going to sign which is a massive signing for us," Redknapp told Sky Sports News. "Thats a key one really. Other than that theres not too much else at the moment. Ive lost Ryan Nelsen so I need to get a replacement for him so were lucky weve got Samba in.

"I think [the medical] went okay as far as I know. That happened last night so it shouldnt be a problem."

Samba attempted to force through a move to QPR in the 2012 January transfer window but Blackburn rejected his transfer request before letting him leave for Anzhi the following month.

Once Sambas move has been rubber-stamped, Redknapp is set to turn his attentions to strengthening his strike force, with West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie and former charge Peter Crouch his top targets.