UEFA statement on match-fixing case

Following the announcement on Thursday, and after Friday's press conference by the German authorities that confirmed a number of individuals were arrested by German police in connection with match-fixing and corruption allegations concerning around 200 matches, UEFA can today confirm that it has been assisting the German authorities with their investigations.

UEFA actively involved
UEFA has been actively involved in the investigation and has given assistance via detailed information through its Betting Fraud Detection System. This detection system monitors all UEFA competitions and European national league first and second-division matches for suspicious betting patterns. The information on a number of matches was passed to the German authorities upon their request.

Matches concerned
Of the matches concerned, the vast majority are domestic league games in nine countries, under the jurisdiction of the respective authorities and national football associations. The small number of matches that relate directly to European football – 12 UEFA Europa League and three UEFA Champions League fixtures – are all early qualifying round games. More information will be given on which matches are involved at a later date. These games do, however, form part of the UEFA list of 40 matches that have previously been quoted as being under suspicion.

Bearing fruit
Commenting on the case, UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino said: "Firstly, I would like to thank the German authorities for their action and for the good collaboration. This case proves that it is possible for a state investigative authority to work closely together with a sports governing body when it comes to corruption or match-fixing, and it is gratifying to see that the Betting Fraud Detection System endorsed by the UEFA President, Michel Platini, is already bearing fruit. We will continue our battle against any form of corruption in European football with a mission of zero tolerance.

Harshest of sanctions
"UEFA will be demanding the harshest of sanctions before the competent courts for any individuals, clubs or officials who are implicated in this malpractice, be it under state or sports jurisdiction."