LOI PLAYER WAS ‘OFFERED BRIBE TO SPOT-FIX GAME’

Gardai probe into alleged approach

GARDAI are investigating an incident in which a member of the public allegedly offered to bribe a soccer player.

The League of Ireland says the offer to participate in spot-fixing was immediately rejected by the star.

Spot-fixing is the practice of determining the outcome of a specific part of a match or game before it is played.

Gardai carried out a search in Dublin on Thursday as part of their investigation and seized a number of items.

The League of Ireland said in a statement: “The League of Ireland can confirm it is aware of an An Garda Siochana operation involving a member of the public after a player in the League of Ireland was allegedly approached and immediately rejected an offer to participate in spot-fixing.

“We would like to thank and praise the player who immediately reported the incident in accordance with the integrity workshops delivered by the FAI to every team in advance of the each season. We would also like to thank the PFA Ireland, the player’s club and An Garda Siochana for their assistance on the matter.”

The PFAI commended the player who was approached for his reaction, which they say was “exactly as we recommend to players”.

They commented: “PFA Ireland notes the statement released by An Garda Siochana yesterday in relation to spotfixing in the League of Ireland.

“There is no concern related to his [player’s] involvement in any spot-fixing or match-fixing and we commend him on his actions in this regard.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai attached to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau conducted a search in Dublin on Thursday 29th February 2024 as part of an investigation into an alleged bribery incident relating to a sports fixture.

“Items of potential evidential value were seized.

“No arrests have been made at this time.”