Man held over alleged bribery of LOI football player

A man in his 30s was arrested yesterday in connection with the alleged bribery of a professional League of Ireland football player during the current season.

The man was arrested by detectives from the garda anti-bribery and corruption unit and questioned yesterday before being released without charge.

A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Detectives commenced this investigation six months ago after the player reported that an attempt had been made to bribe him.

The player reported that he had been approached and offered a large sum of money, thousands of euro, to take a red card during a game.

It is understood both men knew each other as they came from the same part of the country.

The man was questioned at a garda station in the west of the country before being released without charge.

Operation Brookweed

Gardaí believe this is an isolated and specific incident, and said the investigation is separate and not connected to the ongoing Operation Brookweed.

Operation Brookweed is the investigation by the Garda Economic Crime Bureau into suspected match fixing in the League of Ireland.

Operation Brookweed began five years ago following reports from the FAI and UEFA that some League of Ireland matches may have been fixed.

Detectives examined unusual betting patterns in a number of games where they suspected deliberate fouls may have been committed, and players sent off, to ensure one team lost and money paid out.

The bets were made on these teams losing the games by a certain number of goals.

In some games, a large number of goals were suspiciously scored in quick succession until a specific result was achieved.

Detectives also noticed that large numbers of home fans in one part of the country were successfully betting against their own team.

Gardaí carried out a number of searches at the time at a sports ground in the south of the country and continued their investigation.

As evidence was gathered League of Ireland players and officials all over the country were interviewed.

Fifteen people have so far been arrested as part of Operation Brookweed.

In a statement today, Garda Headquarters said the anti-bribery and corruption unit remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of sport in Ireland and continues to work closely with all relevant stakeholders.

Gardaí also appealed today to anyone with information regarding match fixing or sports corruption to report it in confidence via the Bribery and Corruption Confidential Reporting line at 1800 40 60 80, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or at their local Garda Station.