By Andrew Warshaw
September 23 – El Salvador’s football federation has imposed life bans on 14 national team members for their roles in a match-fixing scandal. One other player was given an 18-month ban, two were suspended for six months, one was acquitted while four others face further investigation.
El Salvador FA (FESFUT) president Carlos Mendez said the sanctions were imposed following “exhaustive” work.
“We have used valuable information which has come from interviews, video accounts from people who have had the strength to declare and help us find those responsible,” he said.
In the ongoing war against match-fixing, the latest bans were announced just days after Australian authorities smashed a multi-million-dollar match-fixing ring and Singapore police arrested 14 people suspected of being members of an organised crime cartel.
The 14 El Salvador players given life bans were named as goalkeepers Dagoberto Portillo and Miguel Montes; defenders Ramon Flores, Miguel Granadino, Luis Anaya, Mardoqueo Henriquez, Alfredo Pacheco, Marvin Gonzalez and Reynaldo Hernandez; and midfielders Osael Romero, Darwin Bonilla, Dennis Alas, Ramon Sanchez and Christian Castillo.
Pacheco, Romero, Gonzalez, Alas and Sanchez have more than 50 caps apiece.
Matches affected included a 5-0 defeat by Mexico at the 2011 Gold Cup and a 4-2 loss against Paraguay last February.
Central America, where many players struggle financially, has become particularly susceptible to match-fixing. Last year Guatemalan internationals Guillermo Ramirez, Gustavo Cabrera and Yony Flores were banned for life.
El Salvador have already been eliminated from next year’s World Cup but that has not lessened the impact. The latest bans have ripped the heart out of El Salvador football and the national federation is allowing a period of 15 days for the clubs affected to hire new players.
In a statement, CONCACAF, which at the time of the initial arrests said it was “deeply saddened”, said it fully supported the sanctions.
“The fight against match-manipulation to protect the integrity of the beautiful game is a top priority for the Confederation.”
“In alignment with FIFA guidelines and in line with CONCACAF’s commitment to ensure the legitimacy of the sport throughout the region, it is our duty to fight against organised crime alongside all stakeholders involved.”
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