Information which was reported by Sergo Topuridze, the deputy chief of Constitutional Security Department of MIA, at the briefing at 12:00 was not unexpected news – CSD arrested several Georgian football players.
“We found out that Spartak Gogia, captain of FC “Samtredia”, Kakhaber Kirtadze, Roin Oniani, captain of “Baia” Zugdidi, Levan Vartagava, Giga Bechvaia, captain of “Wit Georgia” Tbilisi, used to make illegal deals with Davit Gabedava, representative of the “black business” of bookmakers, and agreed on the results of the matches in advance. The suspects have had deals on the following matches of the national championship of Georgia: “Samtredia”-“Sioni” Bolnisi (5:0) held on April 15, 2011, for which the FC “Samtredia” took 15 000 GEL, “Dinamo”-“Baia” Zugdidi (2:1) held on April 19, 2011, for which “Baia” took 12 000 GEL, “Wit Georgia”- “Sioni” Bolnisi (3:0) held on April 30, 2011, for which “Wit Georgia” took 20 000 GEL”, - stated Topuridze.
According to the operative material of MIA, player of “Baia” promised Gabedava in case of need substitution would be made at the 10th minute. Another player added that they would break rule and 2 penalties would be scored. According to the material, they also agreed on so-called “Live betting”. Here are comments spread by MIA:
Giga Bechvaia (“Wit Georgia”) – “We make substitution and get yellow card for this money”.
Spartak Gogia (“Samtredia”) – “What you want me to do for 15 000 GEL. Coach says he will make substitution in the first half and we will be scored penalty”.
According to law enforcement officers, Davit Gabedava is former player who used old relations and he did not find it difficult to find common language with current colleagues.
According to CSD, investigation still continues and perhaps, other players will also be charged with match-fixing and illegal dealing.
Phridon Kervalishvili
