Estonia opens case over suspected match-fixing — ERR News

In Estonia, prosecutors have opened a criminal case on suspicion of betting fraud during a match in the Esiliiga, the country’s second-tier football division, involving the Maardu Linnameeskond club. ERR News reports.

Football association complaint

The Estonian Football Association filed a complaint with prosecutors after launching its own disciplinary investigation. It concerns possible violations of integrity principles, direct or indirect involvement in betting, prior coordination of the course or result of a match, as well as the obligation to report such actions.

North District Prosecutor Siret Vaher-Torni said that the association’s appeal raised suspicions of possible manipulation of football match results for financial gain. The criminal proceedings are to verify the circumstances outlined in the complaint and establish the roles of people who may potentially be involved.

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Match stopped in the 78th minute

The match between FC Tallinn and Maardu Linnameeskond on September 10 was stopped in the 78th minute amid suspicions of betting fraud. Before that, the Maardu team conceded three goals in seven minutes and allowed a penalty to be awarded against them. The Football Association said it was cooperating with international football organizations, while the club also stated that it was ready to assist the investigation.

On the same day, the association barred Deniss Kovtun, Artjom Volkov and Vladislav Tšurilkin from taking part in any football activities for the duration of the disciplinary investigation. The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee will review this decision after receiving additional information or upon completion of the investigation. On September 22, Maardu Linnameeskond announced the suspension of its participation in the league and its training sessions.