The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has recently released a decision from the Disciplinary Tribunal, registered in Bulletin No. 6690. This decision immediately suspended players involved in sports betting. Therefore, this statement addresses significant measures against match-fixing and related to the integrity of Argentine football.
The four players, now suspended, belong to Club El Porvenir and are under criminal investigation by the Buenos Aires Prosecutor’s Office.
- Temporary Suspension of Players
Four players have been suspended with immediate effect, with an initial period of 90 days. This decision affects Marcos Vinicius Serrao Carvalho (Brazilian passport no. GI788578), Alessandro Miranda Santos (Brazilian passport no. FX450173), Fabio Monteiro Blanco (Brazilian passport no. GH077136) and José Denilson Gomes da Silva (Brazilian passport no. GD782909 or 6D782909).
The measure aims to protect sporting integrity while investigations continue.
- Sanctions against Nićifor Simović
Nićifor Simović, holder of Serbian passport number 012465546, faces severe bans. He is barred from all stadiums in Argentina where competitions organised by the AFA take place.
Furthermore, their representation within the association is suspended for the same period. Thus, the restrictions are part of a broader effort to ensure fairness in sport.
- Preventive nature and possible extensions
The measures adopted are preventive and may be extended in accordance with Article 47 of the Disciplinary Code. This is without prejudice to the possible application of definitive sanctions, depending on the progress of the disciplinary or judicial process. The procedure reflects the seriousness with which the AFA deals with these issues.
The decision stems from an ongoing criminal investigation by the First Instance Prosecutor’s Office for Criminal, Misdemeanor and Offense Matters No. 8 of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, specializing in Collective Events. The case under investigation, MPF 1041967, involves possible conduct of match-fixing and sports betting.
In this context, the AFA proactively reported the situation to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This action was motivated by constant reports involving suspicions surrounding the players playing for Club El Porvenir.
AFA’s commitment to the sporting integrity of Argentine football
The AFA remains firmly committed to fair play on and off the field. In short, the organization will continue to implement the necessary measures to eradicate any conduct that threatens the essence of the game.