A senior Swedish police officer has alleged that Premier League footballers were linked to match-fixing schemes uncovered during an investigation into illegal betting.
Fredrik Gardare, who led an 18-month probe that resulted in former Manchester City midfielder Dickson Etuhu being convicted of bribery in Sweden, claimed that evidence of Premier League players’ involvement surfaced during a 2021 casino raid. Phones seized in the operation reportedly contained extensive Telegram messages showing players fixing matches across European leagues and even international fixtures.
“There was more than one Premier League player involved,” Gardare told the Daily Mail. “Betting on yellow cards, corners and other aspects in matches. I have worked on hundreds of match-fixing cases, and this was the clearest case you could have. It doesn’t get any clearer than being found on a confiscated mobile phone.”
Despite the alleged evidence, Swedish police did not pursue the case further, and the specialist unit handling it was later disbanded. Gardare said the seized phones, which he described as vital evidence, remain in police custody.
The Swedish FA confirmed it had received general intelligence following the raid but said no specifics were shared due to the secrecy surrounding the case, preventing formal action.
The Premier League told The Sun it was unaware of the allegations, stressing that such matters fall under the Football Association’s remit. The FA has reportedly not been briefed by Swedish authorities.
The claims reignite concerns over the reach of illegal betting syndicates in top-flight football. Last year, whistleblower Moses Swaibu, a former player jailed for conspiracy to commit bribery, warned that at least five Premier League stars had been approached by match-fixers.