Spanish outlet 24h has reported that Leeds player Samu Saiz is among seven players who have been arrested for match fixing.
The tweet translates: “LAST MINUTE Several footballers are arrested for fixing of matches in First and Second Division. Among the players arrested are Raúl Bravo, Borja Fernández, Carlos Aranda, Samuel Saiz Alonso and Íñigo López Montaña.”
The claim was made on Tuesday morning on the official 24h Twitter account and was picked up by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay.
It was also reported by another Spanish outlet AS, although they claim that Saiz hasn’t been arrested, but is under investigation.
From Spain – report that Samuel Saiz has been arrested over match fixing allegations:https://t.co/ODuz7BlOpB
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 28, 2019
OPINION
It’s important to note that this is just a report so far and nothing official has been confirmed, but this would be a major blow for Leeds if true. They’re looking to move Saiz on this summer and this could have a major impact on that. Saiz moved to Getafe on loan in the January window but didn’t have a good second half of the season. Getafe had a £6million option to make his move permanent but it’s been reported that they’re not going to trigger that. The latest reports were that Leeds were hoping to move him on to another Spanish team this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds not interested in taking him back. Some Leeds fans are already concerned that this could lead to a points deduction for next season, but that is highly unlikely, with the offences committed in Spain and while Saiz was on loan. This is a story that’s going to grow though.