Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka takes center stage. Photo: Reuters
Date: December 18, 2021. The place? Ellan Road Stadium in the city of Leeds. Who was he facing? The local team, Leeds led by Argentine Marcelo Bielsa and Arsenal. What Happened Visitors got a resounding victory from 4-1 but the result of the match was out of focus, as a match situation ended up being the protagonist, to the point of triggering an investigation by the National Crime Agency of England.
The entity of England has as its main function investigate cases of corruption and complex fraud which are exhibited both in the country and in Wales and Ireland. What does it have to do with that meeting in December 2021? Is that, Arsenal’s victory was overshadowed by a situation that featured the Swiss nationalized Albanian footballer Arsenal, Xhaka granite.
Granit Xhaka, the Swiss nationalized Albanian footballer under investigation. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)
They marched the last few minutes of the meeting when the party was practically closed for gunners after scoring a three-goal difference that seemed insurmountable. With the game coming to an end, a play in the 86th minute of the match attracted attention. In a free kick in his own court for those led by Mike Arteta, Xhaka caught the ball and delayed after getting the order of play. After repeatedly threatening to pass the ball to teammates, the match referee, Andrea Marinaro, showed him the yellow card.
The rare gesture of keeping time, after having had a match practically closed in favor, has sparked the suspicion of the National Crime Agency for England and put the moment under the magnifying glass. Why is it being investigated? The main suspicion that the agency has, according to the British newspaper Daily mailit’s a “alleged criminal association involving the Albanian mafia and a former professional footballer convicted of match-fixing“.
The bookmakers would have wagered a substantial sum of money if the Swiss nationalized the Albanian player received the yellow card in the last ten minutes of the meeting. The suspicion is that the player was intentionally reprimanded as bets totaling a total of 52,000 poundssomething more than 60,000 euros.
This has never happened in the Premier League. The investigation started due to a situation similar to that of Xhaka, played by the former Swedish Albanian nationalized player Alban Khusufof which he was convicted try to pay a goalkeeper to make him win. The offer of the same would have been £ 182,000.
Granit Xhaka, accused of taking a yellow card for betting. (Ozan Kose / Pool via AP)
Bookmakers have a preponderant place in English clubs, as many First Division teams carry their advertising on their chests and are financed by the revenues of pages such as I burst out with Leeds United, funny88 at Newcastle United, W88 next to the Crystal Palace, sport bets with Southampton, betway sponsorship of West Ham e ManBetX accompanying Wolverhampton.
With England grappling with a plan to achieve the total eradication of these clubs in their football leagues, an investigation into the footballer has begun following the controversial move that left many points to analyze. The Swiss nationalized Albanian footballer is being closely investigated since National Crime Agency for England. The resolution will have the player waiting, who can be sentenced if what has been done is confirmed.
Source: Clarin