SPORTS BETTING
Brazil – First sentence handed out in match fixing probe
By James - 23 May 2023
The Sports Justice Court of Rio Grande do Sul has handed down a sentence against defender Nikolas Farias, from Esporte Clube Novo Hamburgo. The player was given a fine of R$80 thousand (around US$16,000) and suspended for 720 days.
This is the first official conviction of a player cited in the so called “Maximum Penalty” Operation, launched by the Goiás Public Ministry. The player was accused of committing a penalty in return for a promise of cash during a match during the Campeonato Gaúcho de Futebol Série A tournament – the state football league of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. He reportedly admitted the wrongdoing, so no criminal charges were filed against him.
A number of games are now being investigated due to the alleged involvement of a criminal group specializing in match-fixing. The operation is believed to have now unearthed match fixing in Brazil’s top two leagues.
Earlier this month top club Athletico Paranaense announced via social media that two players had been suspended until the end of the investigation. Cruzeiro, Fluminense and America also announced that they had suspended players until the investigation is resolved. According to local press 16 people could stand trial in the case, including seven other players.
A Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) which will investigate match fixing was launched in the House of Deputies last week. The request for the creation of the CPI was authored by deputy Felipe Carreras who will also act as be the commission’s rapporteur.
