Six arrests made over suspected match-fixing

Members of an alleged betting syndicate have been detained on suspicion of fixing English football matches following an investigation led by the National Crime Association

Six men have been arrested in connection with a National Crime Association investigation into alleged match-fixing, Goal can confirm.

The identities of the teams and persons involved cannot be revealed for legal reasons but Goal understands that none of those under suspicion currently ply their trade in the Premier or Football League.

The arrests follow an enquiry undertaken by The Daily Telegraph, which obtained a recording of one alleged fixer claiming that a game could be rigged for £50,000.

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An NCA spokesperson said: "Six men have been arrested across the country as part of an NCA investigation into alleged football match-fixing.

"The focus of the operation is a suspected international illegal betting syndicate. The NCA is working closely with the Gambling Commission and the Football Association.

"This is an active investigation and we are unable to provide further detail at this time."

The alleged suspects are being held under the Bribery and Fraud Acts following the investigation by the NCA, an organisation which launched earlier this year tasked with combatting serious organised crime.

A Football Association spokesperson added: "The FA has been made aware of a number of arrests in relation to an NCA investigation.

"We have worked closely with the authorities in relation to these allegations. The FA will make no further comment at this time due to ongoing investigations."