3 football players caught up in Hong Kong match-fixing probe charged over illegal gambling, bribery
- Trio, betting agent allegedly conspired with others to ensure Happy Valley club lost certain number of matches between 2022 and 2023
- Defender Brian Fok charged over attempting to bribe two teammates and working with others to rig games
Three footballers linked to Hong Kong’s biggest match-fixing scheme in recent years have appeared in court over charges of illegal gambling, with one being accused of offering bribes of HK$50,000 (US$6,400) to two players to rig games in the city’s top league.
The trio, together with a betting agent involved in the same case, on Thursday secured bail in their first appearance before a magistrate at Eastern Court, as prosecutors asked for a four-month period for further investigations.
Among the defendants is former Hong Kong Under-23 player Brian Fok. He was hit with five charges, including three over offering an advantage to an agent in violation of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
The Nigerian-born defender, 29, allegedly attempted to bribe two of his then teammates at Hong Kong Football Club to ensure a predetermined outcome in games involving the team, which competed in the city’s Premier League during the 2021-22 season.
Brazilian midfielder Jean Maciel was reportedly offered a total of HK$40,000 on two occasions, while Scottish player Marcus McMillan was said to have received an offer of HK$10,000. Both declined the inducements.
After moving to first-division side Happy Valley Athletic Association the following season, Fok allegedly worked with fellow players Luciano Silva da Silva, 36, and To Chun-kiu 29, and betting agent Waheed Mohammad, 27, to rig an unspecified number of matches in the second-tier competition.
Brazilian Luciano was at the time a defender at first division club Central and Western District Recreation and Sports Association, while To played as a goalkeeper for Sham Shui Po Sports Association in the top-tier league.
