Players accuse agents of trying to 'buy' cards 🇧🇷

Three players from Londrina reported businessmen who tried to "buy" yellow cards in a Serie C match.

According to the complaint, the offer was for them to get yellow cards in Londrina x Maringá in exchange for R$ 15,000.

That game, still in the group stage of the Brazilian Championship Serie C, ended in a 1 x 1 draw.

The players reported the offer to Londrina's management - who informed the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

The names of the three players and the two businessmen were NOT revealed. The case is under investigation.

The Federal Police carried out search and seizure warrants at the homes and workplaces of the two investigated businessmen - one in Salvador; the other in Itapema.

Londrina made a statement by note.

Londrina's Note

Londrina Esporte Clube SAF joins the Paranaense Football Federation (FPF), the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the police authorities to reaffirm its commitment to integrity and transparency in sport.

Londrina EC publicly informs that three club athletes were recently approached by a person who offered money to participate in a betting scheme. This approach occurred hours before the confrontation with Maringá, valid for the Serie C of the Brazilian Championship, held on April 26.

The athletes were asked to take a yellow card during the match, but promptly refused to participate in this scheme and immediately sought Londrina's management. The management, in turn, contacted the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) via Federation to report the incident and take appropriate measures.

After the complaints, the athletes were called to the Public Ministry to clarify the facts, which resulted in the operation against two businessmen, carried out by the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco), in Salvador, on Friday morning (12).

We express our deep respect and admiration for the athletes who, in addition to refusing the illicit proposal, had the courage to seek the management to report the malicious attitude.

Londrina Esporte Clube SAF is vehemently against any form of result manipulation and will continue working closely with the competent authorities to combat these practices and ensure the fairness of competitions.