Leeds star Samuel Saiz ‘investigated on suspicion of match-fixing alongside ringleader ex-Real Madrid ace Raul Bravo’

LEEDS star Samuel Saiz has reportedly been investigated over alleged match-fixing in La Liga.

A spokesman for Spain’s National Police has confirmed an operation against football match-fixing is “ongoing” following reports a number of players have been jailed.

Members of a criminal organisation who are believed to have tampered with matches in both the first and the second divisions in Spain and bet on results have been held.

Although several Spanish papers reported Saiz, 28, had been arrested, radio station COPE said it had confirmed he was under investigation but had not been formally jailed.

Saiz is currently playing on loan at Madrid side Getafe.

Former Real Madrid defender Raul Bravo, 38, is claimed to be the ringleader of the match-fixing group.

Respected daily newspapers El Mundo and ABC, citing police sources, have also named RC Deportivo de la Coruna player Inigo Lopez and retired footballer Borja Fernandez, who was playing for Real Valladolid when he hung up his boots, as detainees.

The police operation began at 8.30am and police officers are understood to have searched the HQ of Sociedad Deportiva Huesca, which has just been relegated from La Liga.

The club’s president Augustin Lasaosa has reportedly been arrested.

CLAMPDOWN ON CORRUPTION

As well as match-fixing, police are also investigating accusations of money laundering.

Spanish state broadcaster TVE said 11 arrests had taken place so far.

A spokesman for Spain’s National Police said: “I can confirm a police operation against match-fixing is ongoing.

“I cannot confirm any of the names of the detainees that are circulating in the Spanish press at this moment in time.

“That is because the operation is still ongoing.”

This morning’s police operation is said to have been sparked by a second division match last season between Huesca and Nastic de Tarragona.

Home side Huesca, who had already been promoted to La Liga, lost 1-0 to Nastic who were fighting to stay in the second division.

Nigerian Ikechukwu Uche scored the only goal of the game in May last year in the 72nd minute.

Around 30 betting agencies and websites are said to have suspended betting after detecting an alarming rise in bets on a 0-0 draw at half-time and an away team victory at the end of the match.

Francesco Baranco, Secretary General of Federbet which fights against match-fixing, described the movements as “mad.”

An increased number of bets which aroused suspicion reportedly came from Ukraine and Asia.

The Spanish Football Federation is believed to have flagged up its suspicions of possible match-fixing before today’s police operation with Spanish state prosecutors.

Leeds signed Saiz from Huesca in 2017 and he made 58 appearances for the club before being loaned out to Getafe in December.

Bravo, the supposed leader of the corrupt organisation, played for Real between 2001 and 2007, winning La Liga twice, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup.

The defender – who also had a brief spell on loan at Leeds in 2003 – won 14 Spain caps during his career.