New Delhi
Former England footballer Moses Swaibu, who once served prison time for his involvement in match-fixing, has made alarming revelations that at least five Premier League players have been targeted by match-fixers.
Swaibu, convicted in 2015 for conspiracy to commit bribery, has since turned his life around. He now focuses on educating young footballers about the dangers of gambling and the risks of match-fixing.
From 2015 to 2019, Swaibu worked with the Premier League and the Football Association (FA) to deliver integrity workshops, aiming to protect up-and-coming players from falling into the same traps he did. During these sessions, several players confided in him, sharing that they had been approached by match-fixers, either outside their training grounds or in London casinos, according to sources.
Swaibu shared, 'Some players told me they gamble because they feel it's justified since their clubs are sponsored by gambling companies.' He also recounted instances where players admitted being pressured by match-fixers, saying, 'I've had players tell me they were approached by match-fixers outside their training grounds or while out in London, especially in casinos.'
In response to these claims, the FA stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of English football. 'The integrity of football at all levels is crucial. Professional players are strictly prohibited from gambling on football, and we provide education each season to clubs and players on the risks of betting and match-fixing,' the FA stated.