4 sent to pre-trial detention, 7 released on bail for fixing matches in Georgian football leagues

Four have been sent to pretrial detention and seven have been released on bail for fixing matches in the both minor and major leagues of Georgia, receiving 93,500 GEL ($34,061/€30,513) in profits.

The detainees, who were arrested on May 20 and arraigned yesterday, are former and current footballers.

Of the detainees, four: Vakhtabg Jakheli, Irakli Khuchua, Lasha Chapidze and Nika Daushvili have been sent to pre-trial detention, while Irakli Bajelidze, Robert Imerlishvili, Joni Sherozhia, Giorgi Bediashvili, Paata Ghudushauri, Nikoloz Maisuradze and Nodar Kiknavelidze have been released on 10,000 GEL [3,600 USD] bail.

Chapidze told the judge  that he made a mistake and asked him to take his situation  into account: that his mother is ill and that he has a zwedding in June.

The Georgian State Security Service reported that the organised group contacted footballers and concluded agreements with them to lose games.

On April 3, 2019, FC Lanchkhuti’s Guria, having taken a bribe from the organised group, lost with two goals down in the second half of the match with FC Tbilisi Merani during the 2nd league of the National Championship, the agency said.

Similarly, FC Wit Georgia lost two goals down to FC Batumi Dinamo in the major league, according to a preliminary agreement, the Security Service stated on May 20.

The detainees face four to six years in prison.

The Georgian Football Federation responded that it is cooperating with law enforcers and condemns any criminal activities.