Carioca survey finds 14.6% of small-club players approached, TJD and police probe case | OneFootball

Almost 15% of players at smaller clubs in the Carioca Série A admit they have been approached about fixing results or incidents, as authorities investigate a 2026 case.

According to Globo.com, an anonymous census of 116 footballers from eight lower-investment teams found 17 answered yes to having received a proposal or enquiry, equating to 14.6%. The first instalment focuses on manipulation.

There is an open inquiry at the Rio sports court, TJD-RJ, and the Civil Police into a match from the relegation quadrangular. Ferj triggered suspicion after flagging abnormal betting movements. At least two players from different clubs are under suspicion, and one has been sidelined by his team.

Consumer protection detectives at DECON have already taken statements, with Ferj president Rubens Lopes invited to testify. To date, this is the only alert of suspected manipulation in this season’s Série A.

SAFERJ president Alfredo Sampaio, who coached Sampaio Corrêa earlier in the competition and now leads Portuguesa da Ilha do Governador, likened fixing approaches to a hidden virus. He believes few players admit contact, citing shame or fear, and says the lower divisions are particularly troubling and hard to police.

Volta Redonda forward Ygor Catatau featured en route to the quarter-finals after returning from a 2023 suspension incurred at Sampaio Corrêa, his ban was reviewed and he resumed late last year. Ferj declined to comment on the 2026 probe, while noting cases have decreased in recent years.

Source: Globo.com