Claus Lundekvam Claims ‘Spot-Fixing’ Is Prevalent, Players Bet on Minor Events in English Soccer Games

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Jul 11, 2012

Claus Lundekvam Claims 'Spot-Fixing' Is Prevalent, Players Bet on Minor Events in English Soccer GamesClaus Lundekvam says professional soccer players in England had fun and made extra money by gambling on minor events that take place during games.

He claims the players regularly predetermined certain in-game events, but never fixed the results of games, according to CNN.

"For a while we did this almost every week," the Norweigian defender said. "We made a fair bit of money. We could make deals with the opposing captain about, for example, betting on the first throw, the first corner, who started with the ball, a yellow card or a penalty. Those were the sorts of thing we had influence over.

"The results were never on the agenda. That is something I would never have done. We were professional competitors. Even though what we did, of course, was illegal, it was just a fun thing."

The revelations threaten to engulf English soccer in the gambling scandals that have hit other countries in recent years.

Arraigning minor events like the first throw-in is commonly known as "spot-fixing." The practice violates FIFA and FA rules. Both governing bodies are aware of Lundekvam's claims.

"FIFA is monitoring this issue and involved its chief investigator in England," a FIFA statement said. "Once all information is known it will be decided who is leading the investigations."

Lundekvam played in the Premier League from 1996-2005.

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