MLS suspends player in connection with investigation into 'unlawful sports gambling'

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Colorado Rapids midfielder Max Alves has been suspended after being linked to an investigation in Brazil probing a match-fixing scandal that reportedly grew to include MLS games, the team announced Wednesday. 

"We are aware of the reports regarding a Colorado Rapids player in connection with unlawful sports gambling," the team announced in a press release. 

Colorado Rapids midfielder Max Alves Da Silva (8) moves the ball forward during game between the Colorado Rapids and Austin FC on October 9, 2022, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX.  (John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"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."

EX-ALABAMA BASEBALL COACH BRAD BOHANNON LINKED TO SUSPICIOUS GAMBLING BY VIDEO SURVEILLANCE: REPORT

The team confirmed to The Denver Post that the player referenced in the statement was Alves, who, according to local media in Brazil, is under investigation for accepting money as part of a scandal that involved several players fixing matches to benefit sports bettors. 

According to the report, Alves allegedly received $12,000 by performing actions to fix bets, including receiving a yellow card in a game against the L.A. Galaxy in September. Text messages obtained by local media seemingly confirmed Alves' involvement. 

Max Alves da Silva, #8 of Colorado Rapids, kicks the ball away from Bakaye Dibassy, #12 of Minnesota United FC, during a game between Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on May 11, 2022, in St Paul, Minnesota.