A new controversy stirs Mexican football, after the Disciplinary Commission of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) imposed severe sanctions on seven players for their involvement in match manipulation. The investigation conducted by the FMF revealed that the footballers altered results with the aim of illegally betting. The sanctions range from two to 16 years of suspension in order to combat these corrupt practices in Mexican football.
"After reviewing evidence and hearing from those involved, the Disciplinary Commission decided to impose 57 years of suspension divided among the 7 footballers," stated the FMF in an official statement. The Federation made it clear that it will not tolerate such actions and will take strong measures against any individual linked to acts of corruption. Furthermore, FIFA will be informed about the sanctions so that they are recognized internationally.
The sanctioned players, belonging to the clubs Real Apodaca and Correcaminos, accumulated a total of 57 years of suspension as established by the FMF. The investigation, conducted internally, provided the involved parties the right to be heard before making the final decision. Two of the footballers, one from Correcaminos and another from Club Real Apodaca FC, received the maximum penalty of 16 years of disqualification.
On the other hand, three players from the Premier League team face a 7-year suspension, while the remaining two will be out of the game for 2 years. This is not the first time irregularities have been uncovered in Mexican football, as earlier in the year, the FMF began an investigation against the club Alebrijes de Oaxaca for alleged match manipulations, the results of which are still pending.
