ASSOCIATED PRESS
BRUSSELS, Belgium — A key suspect in Belgian soccer's match-fixing
scandal was held without bail Tuesday after being charged with forgery
and making threats.
Player agent Pietro Allatta voluntarily went to police Monday after
authorities issued an international arrest warrant against him last
week. After hours of interrogation, the investigating judge decided to
arrest and charge Allatta.
"If this happens, there are serious reasons for that," federal prosecutor's office spokesman Eric Van der Sypt said. Allatta, who denies any wrongdoing, will remain in police custody until a court hearing Friday, officials said. So far, he does not face corruption charges, but that part of the investigation is continuing, Van Der Sypt said.
Allatta is best known as the agent involved in the transfer of national
team goalkeeper Silvio Proto from La Louviere to Anderlecht last year.
Authorities had issued an international arrest warrant for Allatta
following a raid on his home last week. It was part of a sweep of 20
homes and offices. Authorities seized documents, computers and mobile
phones. Allatta said he was in Africa on business at the time.
"He will give his version of the facts," his lawyer, Olivier Martins,
told the RTFB network. "He will contest any participation in
match-fixing or in any corrupt practices. He has nothing to do with it
and he contests the allegations."
Authorities have also issued an international warrant for Chinese
businessman Zheyun Ye, who is suspected of organizing the match-fixing
ring in Belgium. Van der Sypt refused to say whether there was any
progress in Ye's case.
The federal prosecutor has already filed theft, fraud and forgery
charges against La Louviere chairman Filippo Gaone and lawyer Laurent
Denis on issues which are not immediately linked to match-fixing.
Belgian authorities launched a probe after officials noted unusually high amounts of money being bet on matches in November.
The scandal has led to clubs firing at least six players and coaches who have been linked to match-fixing.
Leaders of first division teams and the national soccer federation
agreed late Monday to increase scrutiny of clubs' finances and
awareness of illegal gambling.
