The Colorado Rapids have reportedly removed midfielder Max Alves from all team activities amid reports that he was involved in “illegal sports gambling”, according to the Denver Post.
The Rapids confirmed on Wednesday that a player had been “removed from all team activities” after playing reports, but did not release the player’s name.
Declaration of rapids read:
“We are aware of reports of a Colorado Rapids player in connection with illegal sports betting. We take matters of this nature seriously and seek at all times to protect the integrity of the game. The player has been removed from all the team’s activities as MLS investigates the matter.”
The Post reported that the player in question is Alves.
Alves is reportedly being investigated in Brazil in connection with a match manipulation scandal, according to Brazilian newspaper O Globo. Alves is accused of taking money from match-fixers to perform specific actions during matches. Alves was reportedly paid around $12,000 to receive a yellow card in a game against LA Galaxy last September.
He received a yellow card shortly after entering the game.
Brazilian authorities reportedly discovered the payment after seizing WhatsApp text messages. Alves is one of 16 people, including 7 players, being investigated by Brazilian authorities. Alves is “the only player playing outside of Brazil involved in the scheme”, according to the Post.
Alves signed a four-year deal with the Rapids in January 2022. Prior to that, Alves played for Flamengo in Brazil.
