Match-fixing scandal

Fresh arrests have been made as part of an investigation into a European soccer match-fixing scandal, with Italian police detaining nine people from third-division club Potenza SC on Monday.

"We have found clear evidence, which shows that threats and bribery took place in order to manipulate the results of games," lead prosecutor Giovanni Colangelo said of the arrests.

Among those arrested were the Potenza SC club president, who is suspected of fraud, illegal betting and connections with crime syndicates.

Authorities suspect Giuseppe Postiglione of involvement in the manipulation of a match in Italy's second division between Ravenna and Lecce in 2008, from which he pocketed 86,000 euros ($128,800) after betting on the outcome.

Several Italian third-division matches are also suspected of having been fixed, though officials said they were still investigating the matter.

The arrests come amidst an ongoing probe by German police and European soccer's governing body, UEFA, into match-fixing on the European soccer circuit that has resulted in at least 15 arrests in Germany and two in Switzerland.

Players suspended in Switzerland

Meanwhile, in Switzerland, second-division club FC Gossau said Monday it had suspended 25-year-old midfielder Mario Bigoni after he admitted involvement in fixing a match against fellow Swiss Challenge League club Lugano in May in which Gossau lost 4-0, the Associated Press reported.

The club's president, Roland Gnaegi, told AP that Bigoni admitted to him that "not everything was clean" in the loss.

To add to the mounting list of names, another Swiss second-tier club, FC Thun, announced it has suspended Senegalese player Omar Faye after allegations surfaced that he also played a roll in the scandal.

Altogether officials estimate that as many as 200 matches may have been fixed with the collusion of players, referees, coaches and club officials within the last few years.

German prosecutors said Friday that matches played in the top-flight leagues of Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia and Turkey as well as the second divisions in Germany, Switzerland and Belgium were under suspicion of manipulation.

At least three games in the European Champions League - the most prestigious international club competition at the European level - and 12 matches in the Europa League are also under investigation for manipulation.

UEFA spokesperson Peter Limacher said he was pleased with the efficiency of the international investigation, but was nonetheless dismayed by the revelations.

gmb/AP/dpa
Editor: Nancy Isenson