Leaked UEFA memo reveals organized crime’s attempt to fix soccer matches paying referees up to $30,000
In a leaked memo discovered by The Sun, UEFA is warning all European soccer federations of organized crime members using cyber phishing techniques to sway match officials to fix games.
The Sun has reported that in a leaked memo sent to all of the European soccer federations, organized crime members are offering up to $30,000 to referees to fix soccer matches.
The modus operandi of the criminals is to find the referees online and begin communication to tempt them to sway matches one way. The referees were contacted via social media according to the report.
The memo also stated, “The corrupters made use of cyber-crime tactics not previously seen in reported corrupter messages, possibly pointing to a bleed-over in tactics from more sophisticated groups or even the potential for collaboration with such groups.”
Memo sent to FA’s warn over bribes to officials
The memo continued stating, “This evolution may have been accelerated by the Covid lockdown, during which cyber criminals both diversified and intensified their criminal activities, according to Europol.”
“We assess corrupters will likely continue to attempt contact with players, referees and other officials via social media and the use of more sophisticated messages, including personalized content and manipulation techniques” the memo continued.
According to The Sun the outreach to officials comes from organized crime gangs in Asia and the messages are sent in English although the memo or the report did not state from which federations the referees had received the bribe messages.
Kelvin Loyola is a seasoned content writer and journalist at Bolavip, boasting over 15 years of experience in sports journalism and marketing. He has covered a wide array of sports including the USMNT, MLS, Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and Liga MX, as well as the NBA, MLB, NHL, and various entertainment topics. Prior to his journalism and marketing career, Kelvin worked in post-production, contributing to numerous movie, television, and digital projects. He also brings expertise in project management, social media, and web development. A graduate of Queens College with a degree in Media Studies, Kelvin is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. His passions extend beyond his career to include soccer, marketing, photography, surfing, and pop culture, particularly comics.