Czech football has been thrown into turmoil after a sweeping match-fixing investigation triggered a major crackdown, dominating headlines just as the national team prepares for its World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland.
Authorities launched early-morning raids across the country following a three-year investigation supported by Europol, Interpol, and UEFA’s integrity unit. The operation has largely focused on the Moravia region, where the majority of suspected activity is believed to have taken place.
The inquiry has examined potential corruption across the top four tiers of Czech football, as well as youth competitions. A wide range of individuals are under scrutiny, including players, referees, club representatives, and even a local mayor.
FACR president David Trunda described the scale of the operation as unprecedented. In a message to the association’s executive committee, he said: “Since 6am, a massive operation – perhaps the largest in the history of Czech football – has been under way.” He also confirmed the involvement of international law enforcement and football authorities, noting: “Everything is being coordinated with the UEFA anti-match-fixing unit.”
Highlighting the geographic scope, he added: “The operation is concentrated primarily in Moravia, covering 99% of the area and involving several dozen individuals.” Trunda credited collaboration between football authorities and national police, and revealed immediate disciplinary action was being taken: “The ethics committee will initiate proceedings today against more than 40 players, officials, referees, and clubs.”
Martin Holub, head of the FACR ethics commission, confirmed that dozens of cases are already in motion. He stated: “The FACR ethics commission has initiated 47 disciplinary proceedings, primarily on suspicion of bribery and match-fixing.” Those under investigation include clubs, officials, referees, and players, many of whom have been temporarily suspended.
Holub emphasized that swift action was made possible through close cooperation with law enforcement and internal integrity teams. He said: “The initiation of these disciplinary proceedings on the day the police action was launched was only possible thanks to excellent internal work and above-standard co-operation with the Police of the Czech Republic.”
Further decisions are expected as the ethics commission continues to assess the situation in the coming days.
