Footballers get prison in match fixing scandal

From: The News
Eight ex-football players and officials from the Korona Kielce club in central Poland have been sentenced to two years in prison in connection with Poland’s wide-spread corruption scandal.

All suspects have been sentenced for bribery or attempted bribery of referees, Polish Football Association’s (PZPN) observers and football players from rival teams - all pleaded guilty.

Corruption scandal emerged at Korona Kielce football club broke out in 2003/2004 season, when the club struggled to get promotion to the second division. Out of 43 people charged, including footballers, referees and club authorities, 28 pleaded guilty.

Pawel W., chairman of the club, was sentenced to two years in prison. Additionally, he will have to pay 2,000 zloty (482 euro) in fines and is not allowed to organize professional sports events for five years. Dariusz W., a former coach of the Korona Kilece, was also sentenced and fined.

Over 230 people – players, referees, officials and members of the Football Federation (PZPN) – have been charged so far for being involved in match fixing schemes since the investigation was launched four years ago.