Colorado Rapids reportedly removed midfielder Max Alves from all team activities reports that he was involved in “illegal sports gambling” according to The Denver Post.
The Rapids confirmed Wednesday that one player was “removed from all team activities” following the gambling reports, but did not release the player's name.
statement of the rapids Reading:
“We are aware of reports regarding a Colorado Rapids player in connection with illegal sports gambling. We take matters of this nature seriously and strive at all times to protect the integrity of the game. Removed from team activities. Investigates the matter.”
The post reported that the player in question is Alves.
Alves is reportedly under investigation in Brazil as part of a match rigging scandalAccording to the Brazilian newspaper O Globo. Alves is accused of taking money from match-fixers to perform specific tasks during matches. Last September, Alves was reportedly paid around $12,000 to receive a yellow card during a game against the LA Galaxy.
He received a yellow card soon after entering the game.
Brazilian authorities reportedly discovered the payment after seizing WhatsApp messages. Alves is one of 16 people, including 7 players, being investigated by Brazilian authorities. According to the Post, Alves is reportedly “the only player playing outside Brazil involved in the scheme”.
Alves signed four year deal With the Rapids in January of 2022. Prior to this, Alves played for Flamengo in Brazil.