iGaming Business – The National Crime Agency (NCA) has arrested seven professional footballers as part of an investigation into alleged match-fixing in the English game. The footballers, who are aged between 18 and 30, all play for Football League clubs in north-west England. The NCA said it has also re-arrested six other men that were originally arrested in December 2013 on suspicion of involvement in spot-fixing, before later being bailed.
The six, who had been bailed to return on April 8 after their arrests last year, have now been re-arrested following new evidence. The original six suspects include former English Premier League top-flight player DJ Campbell, as well as Cristian Montano, who was released by League One side Oldham Athletic following his initial arrest.
All 13 individuals are currently being interviewed at police stations across the UK over suspected conspiracy to commit acts of bribery and money laundering relating to conduct during football matches. Spot-fixing activities involve a player influencing a specific element of a match, such as intentionally getting a yellow card or conceding a corner, without trying to fix the actual score of the match.
In a statement, the NCA said: “The investigation began following receipt of material from the Sun on Sunday. It remains ongoing and we cannot provide further detail at this stage.” The Football League also issued a statement in which it said it would fully cooperate with the NCA and its ongoing investigation.
“The Football League has been made aware that a number of arrests have been made in relation to an ongoing Police investigation,” a Football League spokesman said.
“We will provide our full co-operation to the relevant authorities. Given that it is an ongoing matter, we cannot comment further at this time.”
