Sports Minister warns betting scam crooks

Vienna. SPÖ Sports Minister Norbert Darabos warned any Austrians found to have been involved in a Europe-wide betting scam would face "very tough punishments”. Prosecutors in Bochum announced last week they were investigating "at least 200 matches and 200 people” in several European countries believed to be part of a huge betting fraud. Investigators said 11 matches in Austria’s two top leagues were being looked at. Darabos said he did not want to question the authority of sports associations but said any clubs found to be involved would be excluded from competitions. The minister added a "clear signal” was necessary. Darabos said he saw no need to change current laws in regard to the case since Austrian anti-fraud legislation would ensure criminals would be brought to justice. Meanwhile it emerged ho- mes in the provinces of Styria and Lower Austria had been raided after Austrian cops were contacted by German investigators.

Printausgabe vom 23.11.2009