Six held in connection with football match-fixing claims

Former Portsmouth defender Sam Sodje was filmed by the Sun on Sunday apparently describing how he punched an opponent in a League One game to get a red card in exchange for £70,000.

The newspaper reported that an undercover investigator met Sodje, who allegedly said he could arrange for footballers in the Championship to get themselves a yellow card in return for tens of thousands of pounds.

The 34-year-old also claimed he could rig Premier League games and even said he was preparing to fix matches at next year’s World Cup in Brazil, it said.

It was also reported that Oldham Athletic player Cristian Montano failed to get a yellow card in return for money in a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 22 and offered to take part in another rigging incident.

Oldham said in a statement: “Oldham Athletic Football Club has been made aware of the incident and allegation surrounding one of its players, Cristian Montano. The club will commence an immediate internal investigation to establish all the relevant facts of the case. The club is co-operating with other agencies in this matter and cannot comment on specific facts at this stage. The club will not be issuing any further statements at this time.”

The newspaper also reported that Sodje’s brother Akpo, a striker at Tranmere Rovers, had said he would be prepared to be paid to be booked.

Tranmere Rovers said it was aware of the allegations regarding the player but declined to comment as the investigation was ongoing.

The National Crime Agency, which is investigating the claims, said: “An active NCA investigation is now under way and we are working closely with the Football Association and the Gambling Commission. Three people are in custody and are being questioned by NCA officers. We cannot comment further at this stage.”

Sam Sodje is a former Leeds United loan player and an ex-Nigerian international.

His brother Akpo previously played for Sheffield Wednesday, Scunthorpe United and Huddersfield Town. There is no suggestion the allegations relate to any of the Yorkshire clubs.

The NCA is already carrying out a separate investigation into an alleged international illegal betting syndicate.

Michael Boateng and Hakeem Adelakun, both 22, were charged last week with conspiracy to defraud contrary to common law.

The pair, who played for Conference South club Whitehawk FC in Brighton, were dismissed by their club and will appear in court on Wednesday.