European police revealed today that they are investigating over 380 matches because of alleged match fixing. Europol revealed that over 425 players, officials and other individuals are under investigation as police believe they are all connected into what it considers a criminal network within the sport.
At least two Champions League matches were fixed according to reports
The alleged organised crime syndicate based in Asia, which is thought to have been organising the operation to rig the results of matches.
Director of Europol, Rob Wainwright, revealed that two of the matches were played in the Champions League, one of which was played in England but he could not reveal any more details as the investigation is ongoing.
One of the fixed CL matches was played in England
He told a press conference in Netherlands: "This is the work of a suspected organised crime syndicate based in Asia and operated with criminal networks around Europe.
"It is clear to us this is the biggest-ever investigation into suspected match-fixing in Europe. It has yielded major results which we think have uncovered a big problem for the integrity of football in Europe.
"We have uncovered an extensive criminal network."
The investigation has revealed so far that over €16 million was wagered by Criminals and a €8 million profit margain was made.
Friedhelm Althans from Bochum Police, Germany, and a spokesperson for JIT Veto, said: "We have evidence for 150 of these cases and the operations were run out of Singapore with bribes of up to €100,000 paid per match. Even two World Cup qualifiers in Africa, and one in Central America are under suspicion."
So far, 50 people have been arrested, with officials stating their concern that the news was simply "the tip of the iceberg".
Wainwright said that Europol's findings would be shared with Uefa president Michel Platini, adding: "This is a sad day for European football and more evidence of the corrupting influence in society of organised crime. But this investigation also proves the value of international police co-operation in fighting back against the criminals involved.
"Europol and its law enforcement partners are committed to pursuing serious criminals wherever they operate. Unfortunately this also now includes the world of football, where illegal profits are made on a scale and in a way that threatens the very fabric of the game.
"All those responsible for running football should heed the warnings found in this case."
