Cameroon officials are to investigate claims that seven of their players were involved in match-fixing at the World Cup in Brazil.
The ethics committee of the African country's football federation will look at allegations of "fraud" by "seven bad apples" in their three group games.
The allegations have been made in a German newspaper by a convicted match fixer from Singapore.
Cameroon lost all their Group A games, including a 4-0 defeat by Croatia.
The Indomitable Lions had Alex Song sent off for lashing out at Mario Mandzukic in that game, while team-mates Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Benjamin Moukandjo clashed late on in the game.
A statement from Cameroon's FA read: "Recent allegations of fraud around Cameroon's 2014 Fifa World Cup three preliminary games, especially Cameroon versus Croatia, as well of the 'existence of seven bad apples [in our national team]' do not reflect the values and principles promoted by our administration, in line with Fifa's code of conduct and the ethics of our nation.
"We are strongly committed to employ all means necessary to resolve this disruptive matter in the shortest delays."
Fifa did not comment on whether it was looking into the issue as football's world governing body did not want to "compromise any possible investigations".
It did, however, add: "Speaking generally, the integrity of the game is a top priority for Fifa and as such we take any allegations of match manipulation very seriously."
July 01, 2014
June 29, 2014
29-Year-Old Poker Pro Johannes Strassmann Found Dead in Ljubljana
After receiving the results of a DNA test, Slovenian police confirmed that the body found in the river Ljubljianica on Friday is the one of German poker player Johannes Strassmann.
Strassmann, who was in Slovenia to meet with some local high-stakes players, was reported missing on Saturday, June 21, when he disappeared from Ljubljana's old town.
Since then, the local police had tried their best to find him, carrying out numerous operations across the whole country involving a large number of agents, helicopters, and search dogs.
On Friday morning, police found a body on the banks of the Ljublianica River in Ljubljana and performed a DNA test on it as the body was reported to be in too poor of a condition to proceed with an immediate identification.
Twenty-four hours later the test results came in, and authorities confirmed that the body was the one of 29-year-old Johannes Strassmann.
Slovenian police officer Vinko Stojnsek confirmed the identity match. "It is very sad to say that, but it is true," Stojnsek told PokerNews. "The body we have found on Friday is of Johannes Strassmann."
Strassmann, who was in Slovenia to meet with some local high-stakes players, was reported missing on Saturday, June 21, when he disappeared from Ljubljana's old town.
Since then, the local police had tried their best to find him, carrying out numerous operations across the whole country involving a large number of agents, helicopters, and search dogs.
On Friday morning, police found a body on the banks of the Ljublianica River in Ljubljana and performed a DNA test on it as the body was reported to be in too poor of a condition to proceed with an immediate identification.
Twenty-four hours later the test results came in, and authorities confirmed that the body was the one of 29-year-old Johannes Strassmann.
Slovenian police officer Vinko Stojnsek confirmed the identity match. "It is very sad to say that, but it is true," Stojnsek told PokerNews. "The body we have found on Friday is of Johannes Strassmann."
June 27, 2014
Bookmakers count cost of England’s early exit
British bookmakers are cursing their luck that England delivered such a dire display and see themselves dumped out of the World Cup at such an early stage. They had been been anticipating a monumental haul this tournament, one which would provide a financial breakwater ahead of the forthcoming tax changes.
William Hill predicted a turnover double that of the previous World Cup in 2010, to the tune of £200m. Despite England’s lacklustre showing however bookmakers remain positive due to the excitement created amongst gamblers by the array of high scoring and unpredictable matches.
“We are hopeful interest will remain high given the number of goals in the tournament and the free-flowing football,” explained Ciaran O’Brien, a Ladbrokes spokesperson.
A representative of William Hill, Kate Miller, stated how they are pleased with their current turnover and that “pre-tournament targets still remain achievable.” She moved on to say that though England bowing out is a blow, “they were always realistic about their likely performance.”
The general consensus amongst bookmakers is that, with the knockout stages not yet played, it’s too early to draw any overall conclusions from this campaign at this point.
After a fall in bets placed for the meaningless Costa Rica game Ladbrokes and Betfair have attempted to come up with solutions to maintain interest in the competition. Ladbrokes have offered to refund some losing bets from England’s 2-1 loss to Uruguay whilst Betfair have adopted a similar approach.
It’s an extremely difficult time for British bookmakers with the looming tax alterations and the recent general tightening of regulations which have seen share prices fall drastically. As such this World Cup gained enhanced significance with all seeking to gain a larger market share ahead of the changes. They are not the only victims however; pubs and bars, hopeful of a early summer treat with England’s games always certain to pack the place out, will also bear the brunt of another disappointing performance.
The tournament has at least confirmed the expected, continued trend for in-play betting and the popularity of betting via smart phone or tablet. With precious few draws in the competition so far bookmakers have been helped by the performances of Costa Rica and Chile who have surprised many with some excellent results.
Betfair’s James Midmer said how; “Costa Rica and Chile have been the bookmakers’ friends in the group stages.” Both made it through to the next stage with Costa Rica the shock package of the World Cup having beaten both Uruguay and Italy.
William Hill predicted a turnover double that of the previous World Cup in 2010, to the tune of £200m. Despite England’s lacklustre showing however bookmakers remain positive due to the excitement created amongst gamblers by the array of high scoring and unpredictable matches.
“We are hopeful interest will remain high given the number of goals in the tournament and the free-flowing football,” explained Ciaran O’Brien, a Ladbrokes spokesperson.
A representative of William Hill, Kate Miller, stated how they are pleased with their current turnover and that “pre-tournament targets still remain achievable.” She moved on to say that though England bowing out is a blow, “they were always realistic about their likely performance.”
The general consensus amongst bookmakers is that, with the knockout stages not yet played, it’s too early to draw any overall conclusions from this campaign at this point.
After a fall in bets placed for the meaningless Costa Rica game Ladbrokes and Betfair have attempted to come up with solutions to maintain interest in the competition. Ladbrokes have offered to refund some losing bets from England’s 2-1 loss to Uruguay whilst Betfair have adopted a similar approach.
It’s an extremely difficult time for British bookmakers with the looming tax alterations and the recent general tightening of regulations which have seen share prices fall drastically. As such this World Cup gained enhanced significance with all seeking to gain a larger market share ahead of the changes. They are not the only victims however; pubs and bars, hopeful of a early summer treat with England’s games always certain to pack the place out, will also bear the brunt of another disappointing performance.
The tournament has at least confirmed the expected, continued trend for in-play betting and the popularity of betting via smart phone or tablet. With precious few draws in the competition so far bookmakers have been helped by the performances of Costa Rica and Chile who have surprised many with some excellent results.
Betfair’s James Midmer said how; “Costa Rica and Chile have been the bookmakers’ friends in the group stages.” Both made it through to the next stage with Costa Rica the shock package of the World Cup having beaten both Uruguay and Italy.
June 26, 2014
888 to review Luis Suarez poker sponsorship
888poker are currently reviewing their partnership with Luis Suarez, after FIFA launched an investigation into yesterday’s alleged bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.
The controversial Liverpool and Uruguay playmaker clashed with the Juventus clubman in the 79th minute of their 1-0 win at the Estadio das Dunas. Referee Marco Rodriguez missed the incident, although he awarded a free kick against the South Americans. However, the company released a statement via their official twitter account, which reads: “Following recent allegations made against Luis Suárez, we are reviewing our relationship with him. We will not tolerate unsporting behavior.”
The striker penned an agreement to become their global brand ambassador just last month, but that deal is now in jeopardy, as is his career with the Reds. The number 9 could face another spell on the sidelines after the governing body confirmed that it has the power to take retrospective action. FIFA intervened after Italy’s Mauro Tassotti lashed out at Spain’s Luis Enrique in their World Cup quarter final clash at USA 94. He was subsequently banned for a record eight international games, but given Suarez’s previous in his time for Ajax and the Reds, he could be barred for up to two years if proven guilty.
Potential suitors Real Madrid and Barcelona have expressed interest, but question marks will remain as to whether Brendan Rodgers will cash in on the frontman, someone he stuck by after biting Chelsea’s Ivanovic last year.
The controversial Liverpool and Uruguay playmaker clashed with the Juventus clubman in the 79th minute of their 1-0 win at the Estadio das Dunas. Referee Marco Rodriguez missed the incident, although he awarded a free kick against the South Americans. However, the company released a statement via their official twitter account, which reads: “Following recent allegations made against Luis Suárez, we are reviewing our relationship with him. We will not tolerate unsporting behavior.”
The striker penned an agreement to become their global brand ambassador just last month, but that deal is now in jeopardy, as is his career with the Reds. The number 9 could face another spell on the sidelines after the governing body confirmed that it has the power to take retrospective action. FIFA intervened after Italy’s Mauro Tassotti lashed out at Spain’s Luis Enrique in their World Cup quarter final clash at USA 94. He was subsequently banned for a record eight international games, but given Suarez’s previous in his time for Ajax and the Reds, he could be barred for up to two years if proven guilty.
Potential suitors Real Madrid and Barcelona have expressed interest, but question marks will remain as to whether Brendan Rodgers will cash in on the frontman, someone he stuck by after biting Chelsea’s Ivanovic last year.
Poland to amend Gambling Act and allow foreign operators
The Polish Government drafted its first ever amendment on licensed online gambling. The amendment will look to be attached to Poland’s existing Gambling Act, and would remove various obstacles for foreign based sports betting and igaming operators to market products in the region.
The amendment will remove existing legislations that require gambling companies to operate within Polish borders. This existing legislation has limited the number of operators wanting to target the Polish igaming market.
The new Polish gambling legislations, will permit for EU licensed and regulated igaming operators to enter the market. However all operators wishing to enter the market, will have to comply with Polish tax frameworks regarding gambling.
The new amendment will ask all operators to supply financial documents and reports in the Polish language.
Poland had been pressured by the EU to review its igaming framework, since it did not comply with European Commission laws. It is thought that Poland will fast track online gambling legislation with a view to have the necessary framework for foreign operator licensing by the first quarter of 2015.
The amendment will remove existing legislations that require gambling companies to operate within Polish borders. This existing legislation has limited the number of operators wanting to target the Polish igaming market.
The new Polish gambling legislations, will permit for EU licensed and regulated igaming operators to enter the market. However all operators wishing to enter the market, will have to comply with Polish tax frameworks regarding gambling.
The new amendment will ask all operators to supply financial documents and reports in the Polish language.
Poland had been pressured by the EU to review its igaming framework, since it did not comply with European Commission laws. It is thought that Poland will fast track online gambling legislation with a view to have the necessary framework for foreign operator licensing by the first quarter of 2015.
Bwin.Party Considering Selling Off Some Or All Of The Company
UK-listed online gambling operator Bwin.party digital entertainment is reportedly considering selling off pieces of itself following a strategic review. Quoting two anonymous sources “with knowledge of the matter,” Bloomberg reported that the company is looking at either selling off its components piecemeal or possibly putting the entire company on the block.
Bwin.party has reportedly hired Deutsche Bank AG to take a long hard look at the online gambling firm’s best and worst-case scenarios. A decision is expected in two months.
The news caps off a particularly grim month for Bwin.party, which closed Wednesday’s trading at 92.65p, a new all-time low. The shares have fallen 22% since June 10, right about the time that New Jersey’s online gambling market reported its second straight month of revenue decline. Days later, rumors of Amaya Gaming’s acquisition of PokerStars reached their fever pitch. Investors have come to realize that not only is the US market incapable of delivering the short-term revenue bump they’d expected, but PokerStars’ imminent arrival in New Jersey means Bwin.party’s slice of that pie is going to get even smaller.
In February, before Bwin.party made peace with its new activist investor Jason Ader, speculation ran high that Ader would push for a breakup of the company. Last July, rumors flew that the company would split into one division focused on regulated markets, another on grey markets and yet another on the fledgling US online market. Bwin.party pulled out of 18 grey markets last April as the company sought to improve its compliance reputation while it underwent scrutiny by New Jersey gaming regulators, a move that accelerated an already downward revenue trend.
It’s been three years since the ill-fated merger of Bwin and PartyGaming, which Calvin Ayre predicted would not end well for investors. Amaya’s acquisition of PokerStars stripped Bwin.party of its ability to describe itself as the world’s largest online gambling company, but it appears that Bwin.party was preparing to pull that trigger itself.
Bwin.party has reportedly hired Deutsche Bank AG to take a long hard look at the online gambling firm’s best and worst-case scenarios. A decision is expected in two months.
The news caps off a particularly grim month for Bwin.party, which closed Wednesday’s trading at 92.65p, a new all-time low. The shares have fallen 22% since June 10, right about the time that New Jersey’s online gambling market reported its second straight month of revenue decline. Days later, rumors of Amaya Gaming’s acquisition of PokerStars reached their fever pitch. Investors have come to realize that not only is the US market incapable of delivering the short-term revenue bump they’d expected, but PokerStars’ imminent arrival in New Jersey means Bwin.party’s slice of that pie is going to get even smaller.
In February, before Bwin.party made peace with its new activist investor Jason Ader, speculation ran high that Ader would push for a breakup of the company. Last July, rumors flew that the company would split into one division focused on regulated markets, another on grey markets and yet another on the fledgling US online market. Bwin.party pulled out of 18 grey markets last April as the company sought to improve its compliance reputation while it underwent scrutiny by New Jersey gaming regulators, a move that accelerated an already downward revenue trend.
It’s been three years since the ill-fated merger of Bwin and PartyGaming, which Calvin Ayre predicted would not end well for investors. Amaya’s acquisition of PokerStars stripped Bwin.party of its ability to describe itself as the world’s largest online gambling company, but it appears that Bwin.party was preparing to pull that trigger itself.
June 21, 2014
Former Whitehawk defender Michael Boateng jailed for involvement in match-fixing
Three men have been jailed at Birmingham Crown Court for conspiring to fix lower league matches last year.
Former Whitehawk defender Michael Boateng was sentenced to 16 months while businessmen Chann Sankaran and Krishna Ganeshan were handed five-year terms after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit bribery.
The jury in Birmingham found Sankaran and Ganeshan were the central conspirators in the plot, and had recruited Boateng, a player from Brighton-based Conference South team Whitehawk FC, to help them. A fourth man, Hakeem Adelakun, was acquitted.
The three guilty men were unanimously convicted on Tuesday following an investigation conducted by the National Crime Agency following evidence of wrongdoing supplied to the agency by the Daily Telegraph.
Ganeshan and Sankaran were caught on camera by an NCA surveillance operation paying Boateng and later placing bets and exchanging large amounts of foreign currency.
Telephone conversations were also recorded before the NCA took the decision to go in and arrest Sankaran and Ganeshan who were carrying over £3,000 in cash between them at the time when they were detained.
NCA branch commander Richard Warner said: “The NCA is in no doubt that Ganeshan and Sankaran were at the very beginning of a concerted attempt to build a network of corrupt players in the UK.
“Their aim was to influence play so that they could make spot bets and manipulate scorelines to generate large sums of money. They clearly had links to business-like networks overseas.
“This is not sport as a football-loving nation recognises it. It is corruption and bribery linked to serious organised crime, and the NCA is determined to stop criminals benefiting from it.
“The evidence in corruption cases is often either verbal or visual. Unless you are there when money changes hands, or plans are made, that evidence is gone.
“We had a vital opportunity here to intervene early, secure the evidence to get convictions, and put a stop to Sankaran’s and Ganeshan’s much wider and more sinister ambitions”.
In his closing address, Judge Melbourne Inman said: "Professional football and sport play an important part in national life and individuals' lives in this country.
"Those who make determined attempts to destroy its integrity for personal gain must expect significant prison sentences so when such acts are discovered a clear signal is sent to others."
The NCA has liaised with the Gambling Commission and the Football Association. Its investigation continues.
The Football Association, which last month ratified a worldwide ban on football betting, due to be introduced on August 1, issued a brief statement saying: "The FA notes the verdicts in this case and will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities. The FA will make no further comment at this time.”
Former Whitehawk defender Michael Boateng was sentenced to 16 months while businessmen Chann Sankaran and Krishna Ganeshan were handed five-year terms after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit bribery.
The jury in Birmingham found Sankaran and Ganeshan were the central conspirators in the plot, and had recruited Boateng, a player from Brighton-based Conference South team Whitehawk FC, to help them. A fourth man, Hakeem Adelakun, was acquitted.
The three guilty men were unanimously convicted on Tuesday following an investigation conducted by the National Crime Agency following evidence of wrongdoing supplied to the agency by the Daily Telegraph.
Ganeshan and Sankaran were caught on camera by an NCA surveillance operation paying Boateng and later placing bets and exchanging large amounts of foreign currency.
Telephone conversations were also recorded before the NCA took the decision to go in and arrest Sankaran and Ganeshan who were carrying over £3,000 in cash between them at the time when they were detained.
NCA branch commander Richard Warner said: “The NCA is in no doubt that Ganeshan and Sankaran were at the very beginning of a concerted attempt to build a network of corrupt players in the UK.
“Their aim was to influence play so that they could make spot bets and manipulate scorelines to generate large sums of money. They clearly had links to business-like networks overseas.
“This is not sport as a football-loving nation recognises it. It is corruption and bribery linked to serious organised crime, and the NCA is determined to stop criminals benefiting from it.
“The evidence in corruption cases is often either verbal or visual. Unless you are there when money changes hands, or plans are made, that evidence is gone.
“We had a vital opportunity here to intervene early, secure the evidence to get convictions, and put a stop to Sankaran’s and Ganeshan’s much wider and more sinister ambitions”.
In his closing address, Judge Melbourne Inman said: "Professional football and sport play an important part in national life and individuals' lives in this country.
"Those who make determined attempts to destroy its integrity for personal gain must expect significant prison sentences so when such acts are discovered a clear signal is sent to others."
The NCA has liaised with the Gambling Commission and the Football Association. Its investigation continues.
The Football Association, which last month ratified a worldwide ban on football betting, due to be introduced on August 1, issued a brief statement saying: "The FA notes the verdicts in this case and will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities. The FA will make no further comment at this time.”
June 16, 2014
Thai crackdown on illegal WC betting
Police in Thailand have arrested 58 people involved in illegal betting on the World Cup , according to local news source The Nation.
Pol Lt-General Anant Srihiran said that seven are alleged bookmakers, with two suspected of being bet couriers while the rest are punters. Anant said that the police has also seized Bt41,430 (£753) in cash and four bankbooks with deposits totalling Bt99,530 (£1,800).
The enforcement has also seen 391 betting websites blocked, with Srihiran warning that the police were continuing to monitor and blocking any attempts of the sites to reopen under new domains.
Pol Lt-General Anant Srihiran said that seven are alleged bookmakers, with two suspected of being bet couriers while the rest are punters. Anant said that the police has also seized Bt41,430 (£753) in cash and four bankbooks with deposits totalling Bt99,530 (£1,800).
The enforcement has also seen 391 betting websites blocked, with Srihiran warning that the police were continuing to monitor and blocking any attempts of the sites to reopen under new domains.
Coral starts pub marketing offer with Admiral
Admiral Taverns has announced an exclusive partnership with bookmaker Coral to give pub customers free bets during the Brazil World Cup – the first campaign of its kind for both companies. The World Cup Football Jackpot promotion will run in almost 200 selected Admiral Taverns pubs, all of which are within a half-mile radius of a Coral betting shop.
The business building initiative, which is designed to drive footfall to pubs, and awareness and engagement with live televised games in pubs, will give licensees a certain quota of free bets – for both them and their customers.
Admiral commercial manager Simon Eyles, who spearheaded the initiative on behalf of the community pub group, said: “This is about maximising a once-in-four-year event for our licensees and their pubs. The World Cup is a fantastic trading opportunity for pubs all over the country, especially given Brazil’s pub-friendly timezone, and offers licensees a chance to engage with current customers and attract new ones.
“Some in the industry might regard bookmakers as something of a competitive threat but we believe there are some great opportunities to build partnerships, and believe this initiative will serve as a great platform for further collaboration between Admiral and Coral.”
Participating pubs have 200 £1 free bet coupons to offer customers to predict the outcome – win, lose or draw – of 15 matches from the World Cup group stages. Furthermore, during each of England’s three group matches, customers can pick up one of 100 £5 free bet codes to use on their smartphone via the Coral website, when they watch the live England match in the pub. Licensees also have 10 £5 free bets to use themselves, or for their staff, as a thank you for taking part.
Jack Chapman, head of retail sports marketing at Coral, said: “This is the first such promotion Coral has run in the pub sector, and we are delighted to be doing so exclusively with Admiral, who have many great sports pubs across the country. We look forward to seeing how customers and licensees engage with the promotion during England’s campaign in Brazil.”
A range of POS will support the offer in pub, including beer mats, posters, bar runners, leaflets and a bar-top voucher dispenser, and all of the marketing material has been created to complement Admiral’s current world cup promotion, in a similar design.
The business building initiative, which is designed to drive footfall to pubs, and awareness and engagement with live televised games in pubs, will give licensees a certain quota of free bets – for both them and their customers.
Admiral commercial manager Simon Eyles, who spearheaded the initiative on behalf of the community pub group, said: “This is about maximising a once-in-four-year event for our licensees and their pubs. The World Cup is a fantastic trading opportunity for pubs all over the country, especially given Brazil’s pub-friendly timezone, and offers licensees a chance to engage with current customers and attract new ones.
“Some in the industry might regard bookmakers as something of a competitive threat but we believe there are some great opportunities to build partnerships, and believe this initiative will serve as a great platform for further collaboration between Admiral and Coral.”
Participating pubs have 200 £1 free bet coupons to offer customers to predict the outcome – win, lose or draw – of 15 matches from the World Cup group stages. Furthermore, during each of England’s three group matches, customers can pick up one of 100 £5 free bet codes to use on their smartphone via the Coral website, when they watch the live England match in the pub. Licensees also have 10 £5 free bets to use themselves, or for their staff, as a thank you for taking part.
Jack Chapman, head of retail sports marketing at Coral, said: “This is the first such promotion Coral has run in the pub sector, and we are delighted to be doing so exclusively with Admiral, who have many great sports pubs across the country. We look forward to seeing how customers and licensees engage with the promotion during England’s campaign in Brazil.”
A range of POS will support the offer in pub, including beer mats, posters, bar runners, leaflets and a bar-top voucher dispenser, and all of the marketing material has been created to complement Admiral’s current world cup promotion, in a similar design.
June 13, 2014
European Court upholds German online gambling regulations
The European Court of Justice ruled on today that Germany’s strict regulation of online gambling was justified even if the regional state of Schleswig-Holstein had eased the rules for online gambling.
Digibet had taken the case to the European court as they had been blocked from offering online gambling in Germany and believed it to be unconstitutional as one stae allows online gambling so why not all of Germany.
“The 15 remaining states were not required to change their rules just because a single state had pursued a more liberal policy for a limited time,” the European court said in a statement.
Digibet had taken the case to the European court as they had been blocked from offering online gambling in Germany and believed it to be unconstitutional as one stae allows online gambling so why not all of Germany.
“The 15 remaining states were not required to change their rules just because a single state had pursued a more liberal policy for a limited time,” the European court said in a statement.
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