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Alves, a 21-year-old native of Brazil, is under
investigation by prosecutors in his home country for being
associated with match-fixing, per the reports. One of those
matches reportedly was a Rapids game, and Alves allegedly was
paid by match-fixers who asked players to shift their
performance to the benefit of sports bettors.
No charges have been brought against Alves yet, as the
investigation -- which is reportedly centered around 16 people,
including seven soccer players -- is ongoing.
The Rapids issued a statement Wednesday night that read, "We are
aware of the reports regarding a Colorado Rapids player in
connection with unlawful sports gambling. We take matters of
this nature seriously and seek at all times to protect the
integrity of the game. The player has been removed from all team
activities while MLS conducts an investigation into the matter."
According to a report by Brazilian newspaper O Globo, Alves
received up to $12,000 from the match-fixers, a payment that
correlated to a yellow card that Alves was shown during a match
against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sept. 17, 2022.
Alves is the only player currently competing outside of Brazil
who is allegedly involved in the scheme, but former Houston
Dynamo defender Zeca is also rumored to be under investigation.
According to the report from O Globo, there are also screenshots
between Alves and the ringleader of the operation that prove
Alves was participating in match-fixing.
Major League Soccer issued a statement Wednesday similar to the
Rapids' statement, acknowledging that a current and former
player were under investigation and that the current player was
"removed from team activities."
In 10 matches (seven starts) for Colorado this season, Alves has
recorded one goal in 663 minutes of action. He had no goals and
one assist in 28 games (nine starts) for the Rapids last season.
--Field Level Media
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