Police say 25 involved in match-fixing

A MASS German police raid on the premises of 19 football match-fixing suspects has uncovered more proof of manipulation, the Berlin public prosecutor’s office confirmed.

Around 150 police were employed to raid 32 houses and offices yesterday following information given by disgraced referee Robert Hoyzer.

The ref admitted fixing up to four matches for financial gain and other officials, players and outside parties are also involved.

“In total 25 people are suspected of playing a part in rigging football matches with players, referees and outside parties involved,” read the statement.

“Along with Robert Hoyzer and the S. brothers (two Croatian men arrested in Berlin) referees Jurgen Jansen, Felix Zwayer and Dominik Marks are the accused. The people concerned are suspected of manipulating ten matches in the Bundesliga, second division, the regional league and cup in 2004.”

Jansen was due to officiate Werder Bremen’s game with Hansa Rostock on Sunday but was removed for his own protection.