Match-fixing scandal in football: goalkeeper threatened — “Let in three goals or we’ll kill your family!”

A genuine match-fixing scandal has recently erupted in the football world — specifically in Bolivia, where Deportivo Guabirá goalkeeper Juan Manuel Ferrel was threatened with the murder of his wife and mother before the 6-0 defeat to Always Ready in the Primera División.

Guabirá coach Leonardo Egüez was the first to speak about the scandal, calling for an investigation by the Bolivian Football Federation and the Prosecutor’s Office. According to the coach, goalkeeper Ferrel was asked to concede at least 3 goals if he did not want his family members killed.

“We cannot do a match analysis if there is a death threat,” Egüez declared. Ferrel was substituted in the 39th minute of the first half, when the opponent had scored 4 goals.

Striker Víctor Ábrego also said he had asked to be substituted, fearing that any goal he might score could have consequences for his teammates or their families. The Federation has announced it has opened an investigation into the matter.