The FPF relies on the services of StatsPerform, a company that has international expertise and operates in monitoring suspicious movements in the betting markets.
A player from Zumbi, Alagoas team that competes in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, was approached by a handler who offered R$ 3 thousand for him to throw balls for corners during a game.
Upon hearing about it from the athlete, the president of Zumbi sought out the São Paulo Football Federation and forwarded the information to the Civil Police. The score of the match was 1-0 for Zumbi, with a goal by Kauâ, in the 47th minute of the second half, leading the team to qualify for the next phase of the Cup. In the next phase, the Alagoan team was eliminated by Sport Recife.
The São Paulo police are already looking into the case, which could have serious consequences for the Copinha. The teams involved were Ferroviária and Zumbi, for the second round of the first phase of the competition.
According to the complainant, a gambler identified as Diego Rodrigues contacted the athlete, through a messaging application, and offered R$ 3 thousand for the Alagoan team to concede six corners in the first half and another five in the final stage, all in favor of Ferroviária.
In this case, the number of corners in a match influences bettors' earnings on sports betting sites. In addition to corner kicks, the match score, number of cards, fouls, among others, are elements that can be marked individually.
The Civil Police has already identified and requested the breaking of telephone and bank secrecy of the recruiter, who must give testimony about the accusations. In addition to this, other games in the competition are monitored by the authorities.
The conversation was as follows:
Gambler: Do you have a salary at Zumbi?
Zombie Player: No. Why?
Gambler: I thought you got stipends or something like that. And how is your financial situation right now? The family and everything?
Zombie Player: Boy, it's kind of rocking.
Gambler: Do you want to win some money tomorrow?
Zombie Player: Boy, what do you need to do?
Gambler: It won't hurt you, that's for sure. It's just throwing a few corner balls during the game. Only that. As your role is to defend, there is no problem. But that has to stay between us.
Zombie Player: How many balls? And my return?
Gambler: R$ 3 thousand through Pix. Help getting started? During the match, the more corners you have, the better. And another, if you close right here with me. Because I know you're in the starting lineup and you have two more games to play. I guarantee that with about R$8,000 you can go back home, but for that you have to stay with us alone.
Zombie Player: Ok, I'll think about it.
Gambler: For tomorrow, shall we close? R$ 3 thousand. Just for a corner, it won't be anything more than that. That's why we already have to sign it so tomorrow there's no mistake, then you send the Pix code of who will receive it for you.
Note from the São Paulo Football Federation
“The São Paulo Football Federation received last week a complaint of a possible attempt to manipulate the result in a match of the São Paulo de Futebol Jr. 2023 and immediately called the Civil Police, who began investigating the case.
The FPF reinforces that it works actively to combat match-fixing and other crimes. Through the Integrity Committee, created in 2015, the FPF works to prevent and investigate allegations of manipulation, harassment, abuse, doping, racism, among others.
In 2022, after holding a competition, the FPF began to rely on the services provided by StatsPerform, a company that has international expertise and operates in monitoring suspicious movements in the betting markets.
Alerts received by StatsPerform and any complaints are investigated by the Integrity Committee and forwarded to the competent public authorities, such as the Drade (Police Station for the Repression of Sports Intolerance Crimes) and the State Public Ministry.
The FPF also has a cooperation agreement signed in 2020 with SIGA (Sport Integrity Global Alliance), the main integrity organization in sport, through which the strengthening of a cooperation structure with exchange of information, knowledge and best practices was established…”
Zumbi statement
“Zumbi Esporte Clube represents the greatest symbol of resistance against slavery in Brazil. Our ancestors were looking for better days for black people, free from oppression and submission to an unfair and inhumane system.
These values are passed on to athletes in the youth and professional categories, so that they can be warriors, disciplined and resistant, not just on the field, but for their entire lives. Zumbi has the responsibility of forming people with character, dignity and morality.
Regarding the harassment suffered by our athlete, we do not condone that's why we formalize the complaint, the Civil Police of the State of São Paulo investigates the facts and will take the necessary measures.
Finally, we express our gratitude to the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF) for the reception and to all the old and new fans that we conquered.”
Source: GMB
