Further arrest in LOI match-fixing probe

A 15th person has been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged match-fixing in the League of Ireland a number of years ago.

Gardaí carried out a search operation in the south of the country this morning, with one man arrested by specialist detectives attached to the anti-bribery and corruption unit.

The man, aged in his 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in the south.

The investigation, which has been called Operation Brookweed, has so far led to 15 arrests.

Operation Brookweed began in 2019 following reports of suspected match-fixing received from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

Interpol has been assisting gardaí in the operation.

No charges have so far been brought as the investigation continues.

Detective Superintendent Catharina Gunne said: "Match-fixing and corruption is a threat to all sports at all levels and undermines public confidence in the fairness of sport. It can allow organised crime to infiltrate sport in order to use it to make illicit gains or launder proceeds of crime.

"The Anti-Bribery & Corruption Unit will take proactive action where necessary to disrupt such criminality. Match-fixers prey on young and vulnerable players in order to corrupt them for their ends. A conviction for involvement in match-fixing could result in a significant custodial sentence."

Gardaí have also renewed their appeal for anyone with information about match fixing in the League of Ireland or any sport to contact them in confidence on their Bribery and Corruption Confidential Reporting line on 1800 40 60 80, the Garda Confidential Line on