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Ten are arrested in probe of suspected match-fixing

Gardaí arrested 10 people in Dublin, Cork and Limerick today for questioning about alleged League of Ireland match-fixing.

A probe started three years ago following suspected match-fixing reports from the FAI and UEFA.

Homes have also been searched on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud as part of Operation Brookweed, led by the Anti Bribery and Corruption Unit.

Unusual betting patterns and suspected deliberate fouls which led to players being sent off were examined by gardaí.

Betting against own team

Large numbers of home fans were also betting against their own team to lose.

The 10 men are being held at various garda stations and can be questioned for up to 24 hours.

In a statement, the FAI said: "The FAI, in conjunction with UEFA, remains committed to a zero tolerance policy on match fixing. As this is now a legal matter we will be making no further comment."

Corruption threat to sport

Detective superintendent Catharina Gunne (Garda National Economic Crime Bureau) said: "Match-fixing and corruption is a threat to all sports at all levels and undermines public confidence in the fairness of sport.

"It can allow organised crime to infiltrate sport in order to use it to make illicit gains or launder proceeds of crime."