Ex-Cop Claims Casino Raid Ignored Critical Evidence of EPL Match-Fixing

• Swedish police overlooked significant evidence related to global match-fixing, claims a former police officer.
• Claims suggest Premier League players may be involved in spot-fixing activities.
• A confiscated mobile phone purportedly contains incriminating messages about manipulated football matches.

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The integrity of professional sports faces a growing crisis as investigators uncover how match fixing can permeate even the most prestigious leagues. A 2021 crackdown on an underground casino in Sweden unearthed troubling evidence of match fixing at the highest level of football, suggesting a direct link between illicit gambling operations and manipulated game outcomes. Allegedly implicating several players from the English Premier League (EPL), this evidence of match fixing now reportedly lies neglected on a confiscated mobile phone within a police evidence room.

Fredrik Gardarè, the former leader of a specialised police division in Sweden dedicated to sports integrity, disclosed to The Daily Mail that he spearheaded the investigation into the illicit gambling syndicate believed to be orchestrating these match-fixing schemes.

‘A Clearcut Case’

During the raid, authorities seized multiple phones, including one owned by a suspected fixer. Within the device, investigators uncovered Telegram messages that indicated spot-fixing related to key match events—such as yellow cards, corner kicks, and other manipulations—within prominent soccer matches, including those spanning the UEFA Nations League and various high-tier contests across Europe.

“There were mentions of more than one Premier League player on this phone,” stated Gardarè. “Having investigated numerous match-fixing cases, this stands out as the most uncomplicated case you could stumble upon. You couldn’t wish for clearer evidence — resting on a mobile phone that had been seized. This was an excellent opportunity to take impactful action.”

Despite the substantial allegations, both the Stockholm police and the Swedish police authority opted against pursuing charges. Following their decision, Gardarè’s special unit was promptly disbanded.

“From my end, addressing this issue was paramount and I dedicated my entire team to this case,” Gardarè remarked. “Nevertheless, the police announced their withdrawal from the matter by December of that year.”

Missed Chances

Gardarè noted that the intelligence sourced from the raid was relayed to the Swedish Football Association (SvFF). He expressed hope that they informed the English Football Association (FA), but he admitted uncertainty regarding the follow-up.

While the SvFF confirmed receiving general intelligence in 2021, they mentioned the details were too vague to take any decisive action.

At present, both the Swedish police and the Premier League have refrained from commenting on these grave allegations. The FA has stated they are yet to receive the findings from the investigation but would be open to reviewing them if they become available.