The latest high-profile athlete to receive a suspension amid a gambling investigation is Colorado Rapids winger Max Alves. According to an ESPN report, the MLS team suspended the 21-year-old on Wednesday.
A statement from the Rapids confirmed that a player received a suspension, but did not identify the person. The MLS also revealed on Wednesday that it is conducting an investigation into unlawful gambling activity by a former and current player.
Brazilian media outlet O Globo linked Alves to a match-fixing scandal in the country. Prosecutors in the state of Goiás charged 16 people on Wednesday, including seven professional players.
alleges that Alves received $12,000 to get a yellow card during a game
O Globo alleges that Alves received $12,000 to get a yellow card during a game in September 2022 against the LA Galaxy. He received the card about 90 seconds after coming on as a substitute. Alves also reportedly put the former Houston Dynamo player Zeca in touch with the match-fixing ring.
Alves has been playing with the Rapids for the past couple of seasons, signing from Brazilian side Flamengo. He played in a dozen games this season before his suspension, including the Rapids’ game on Saturday against the Galaxy.