11 May 2023 , 22:25
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Colorado Rapids midfielder Max Alves has been "removed from all team activities" amid claims he was involved in a spot-fixing scandal in his homeland of Brazil, which went on to include an MLS game against LA Galaxy.
Brazilian newspaper O Globo reports Alves is among a number of players under investigation for taking payments from match-fixers, based on documents allegedly obtained from a police operation. The report claims players were required to receive yellow cards among other actions on the pitch to allow gamblers to exploit the market.
Alves, a 21-year-old midfielder who joined the Rapids from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2022, has not been charged with any crime with the investigation still ongoing. An unnamed former MLS player was also allegedly involved in spot-fixing. However, 16 people were charged by the Brazilian Public Ministry in the state of Goias on Wednesday, including seven players.
A statement from the team confirmed an unnamed player would be suspended indefinitely while the league investigates the allegations, and the Denver Post has received confirmation from the team that the player in question is Alves.
“We are aware of the reports regarding a Colorado Rapids player in connection with unlawful sports gambling," the team statement read. "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.”
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O Globo reports a document obtained from the investigation indicated Alves received around $12,000 for his part in the scheme, which is alleged to centre on him getting a yellow card in the September 17 game against LA Galaxy. Alves was booked within two minutes of coming on as a substitute, and WhatsApp messages allegedly point to his involvement in spot-fixing.
Max Alves of Colorado Rapids joined Colorado Rapids from Flamengo in 2022. (Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)An MLS spokesman confirmed an investigation will begin "promptly". Its statement read: "Major League Soccer is aware of the reports regarding alleged involvement by a current player and a former player in connection with unlawful sports gambling.
"The integrity of the game is critical to the league and the MLS takes seriously these allegations and contravention of the league's integrity rules. The current player has also been removed from team activities pending an investigation into this matter, which will begin promptly."
Alves has featured in 10 MLS games this season, scoring once. The other former MLS player allegedly involved in the ring has not yet been confirmed.