RIGA, Latvia — Eight people have been arrested in Latvia on suspicion of fixing a Champions League qualifying-round game last year.
Two players from Latvian champion Daugavpils, one of the teams involved, were among those arrested, police spokesman Dairis Anucins said on Friday.
Two club officials and four people with "ties" to the club were also arrested, Anucins said, adding the others were part of "an organized group" behind the scheme. He declined to give further details.
UEFA alleges that a Champions League second qualifying round game on July 17, 2013, between Daugavpils and Swedish club Elfsborg was fixed. Elfsborg won 7-1 with six second-half goals. The Latvian club lost 4-0 at home in the second leg.
The European football body said irregular betting patterns were reported around that game which was reported to Latvian authorities, and law enforcement began criminal investigations that led to Wednesday’s arrests.
Anucins said police also were investigating "about five or six" Latvian league games played this year and last.
One suspect remained in custody while the others have been released but remain "under police control," he said. All were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of match-fixing, money laundering and tax fraud.
"Those who have been freed are banned from any football activity," Anucins told The Associated Press.
