Dutch central bank to investigate football match fixing

Dutch central bank DNB launched an investigation into possible money laundering in professional football. The financial authority is investigating banks and trust companies to find out whether the financial sector is properly able to recognize and address match fixing and shady transfer deals, DNB announced on Thursday, ANP reports.

Over the past period DNB officials already talked to, among others, the government and sports associations. Next the financial watchdog will approach a wide selection of banks. The results of the investigation are expected in June.

According to the bank, it is already clear that football is prone to corruption in several different ways. This includes royalties not being paid correctly and football clubs evading taxes. Money laundering also easily works into clubs' ownership and transactions associated with broadcasting rights.