Czech Football Rocked by Massive Corruption Scandal, Dozens Arrested

Europol & Interpol involved in Czech football corruption crackdown

Czech Football Association boss skips Hall of Fame event amid corruption investigation. Dozens arrested in Czech football corruption scandal involving match-fixing and betting, Europol and Interpol involved.

Czech police launch mass arrests over football corruption, FAČR leadership in emergency meeting...

Czech police launched a major corruption crackdown in football on Tuesday, arresting dozens of people in connection with match-fixing and betting. The operation targeted various individuals, including officials, in a sweeping investigation.

The Czech Football Association (FAČR) called an emergency meeting in response to the scandal. The National Centre against Organised Crime (NCOZ) confirmed it's investigating, and FAČR is working to establish the details and will issue a statement soon. 

“Our department is carrying out criminal proceedings today. The submission of information is reserved for the High State Prosecutor's Office in Olomouc,” said NCOZ spokesman Jaroslav Ibehej.

The investigation, which involved Europol and Interpol, was launched three years ago and extends to first league and youth matches, according to (link unavailable) The scope of the operation suggests a deep-rooted issue in Czech football. 

“Since 6:00 a.m., a giant crackdown has been underway, probably the biggest in the history of Czech football,” it quoted from a text message sent out by FAČR chairman David Trunda to members of the executive committee.

“The overreach is especially in Moravia, 99 per cent, which concerns dozens of people.”

“This is the result of the cooperation between FAČR and the police of the Czech Republic. The Ethics Committee will today start proceedings with more than 40 players, officials, referees and clubs, including clubs of the highest competition down to the fourth league plus the youth leagues,” Trunda wrote, according to iSport.cz.

‼️Největší policejní zásah v historii českého fotbalu. To se aktuálně děje! Policie už zatkla desítky lidí, jde o korupci v utkáních v souvislosti se sázkami. A týká se i zápasů první ligy či mládeže. Vedení FAČR svolal mimořádný Výkonný výbor. Předseda fotbalové asociace David… pic.twitter.com/ESrJecK9SY

— Deník Sport (@DenikSport) March 24, 2026

The FAČR boss skipped the Hall of Fame induction of former player Přemysl Bičovský, citing the ongoing investigation. Olomouc chief prosecutor Radim Dragoun confirmed several dozen people were detained, with searches at homes and other premises. 

This corruption scandal's hitting Czech football hard, coming right after the Footballer of the Year announcement and just before World Cup playoff qualifiers start. FAČR's holding a press conference at 11:00 CET, likely to address the situation.