Filippo Gaone, the chairman of Belgium first division side La Louviere, along with the club’s lawyer Laurent Denis, have been charged in relation to allegations of match-fixing, the Belgian federal prosecutor’s have confirmed.
“Gaone has been charged with falsifying documents and on two other counts of fraud while Denis has been charged in relation to fraud,” said Federal Prosecutor’s spokeswoman Lieve Pellens.
“A third director of the club, Chris Benoit, will be charged at a later date. He was also questioned and had his home searched.”
Police launched the investigation after internet betting exchange Betfair reported heavy betting patterns for La Louviere’s 3-1 win over St Truiden on Oct. 29.
A total of five Belgian clubs are under investigation along with many other officials, players and individuals connected with the game, following allegations that a Shanghai-based betting ring had paid thousands of dollars to fix matches.
“The judge has advised me that the next stage is that charges will be brought against a number of players.”
Two further arrest warrants were issued by Belgian authorities on Thursday with six other arrests and 20 searches of homes and businesses.
“All of those released were told that they could expect to be charged at a later date,” Pellens said.
Warrants for the arrest of Chinese businessman Ye Zheyun, and Pietro Alatta, Belgium’s most prominent agent, were also issued.
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