MLS
Colorado Rapids removes Max Alves from the team for alleged case of match-fixing and illegal betting
The 21-year-old Brazilian has been suspended while MLS conduct an investigation into an alleged case of illegal betting and match-fixing.
Max Alves, a 21-year-old soccer player who plays in MLS with the Colorado Rapids, has been removed from club activities due to an investigation into an alleged case of illegal betting during a game against the LA Galaxy last season.
Through a statement, Major League Soccer announced the start of the investigation regarding the possible participation of the Rapids player in the alleged illegal betting operation. The results of the investigation will determine what happens to the player and no potential punishments have been spoken about at this stage.
“Major League Soccer is aware of reports regarding alleged involvement by a current player and a former player in connection with unlawful sports gambling”, a statement said. “The integrity of the game is critical to the league, and MLS takes seriously these allegations and any contravention of the league’s integrity rules. The current player has been removed from team activities pending an investigation into this matter which will begin promptly”.
Similarly, the Colorado Rapids issued a statement confirming the separation of Max Alves from the team and ensured that they will take the necessary measures in the event that the footballer’s role in the alleged operation is confirmed.
“We are aware of the reports regarding a Colorado Rapids player in connection with unlawful sports gambling. We take matters of this nature seriously and seek at all times to protect the integrity of the game. The player has been removed from all team activities while MLS conducts an investigation into the matter”, the club said.
What is the reason Max Alves was cut from the Colorado Rapids roster?
The Brazilian newspaper O Globo reported that the Colorado Rapids player is part of a group of 16 people, including 6 soccer players, who are accused of receiving payments related to illegal sports betting and match-fixing cases.
The aforementioned Brazilian outlet claims that Alves was paid close to 45,000 Brazilian reais ($9,000) to get a booking during a match against LA Galaxy in the 2022 MLS season.
The card in question was issued for a foul committed on LA Galaxy’s Javier Hernández barely 60 seconds after entering the field of play, a reason why this investigation was started.