London, April 4 (IANS) Another seven players from league clubs in northwest England have been arrested for allegedly fixing football matches.
The BBC cited the National Crime Agency as saying that the seven footballers are aged between 18 and 30. It added that six other men originally arrested in December on suspicion of involvement in match-fixing, then later bailed, have been re-arrested, reports Xinhua.
The NCA Thursday night said: “The investigation began following receipt of material from the Sun Sunday. It remains ongoing and we cannot provide further detail at this stage.”
All 13 are currently being interviewed by police over allegations of bribery and money laundering.
The English Football Association said in a statement: “The FA has been made aware of developments in relation to an ongoing NCA investigation, including a number of further arrests. We are liaising with the authorities in relation to these allegations. The FA will make no further comment at this time.”
A spokesman for the Football League said: “The Football League has been made aware that a number of arrests have been made in relation to an ongoing police investigation. We will provide our full co-operation to the relevant authorities. Given that it is an ongoing matter, we cannot comment further at this time.”