German referee released from prison
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-26 09:13

The referee at the center of Germany's game-fixing scandal was released from prison Friday but remains under investigation.

Robert Hoyzer was arrested two weeks ago because authorities feared he would flee the country. His passport was seized and he must report three times a week to police, said Michael Grunwald, a spokesman for the Berlin prosecutor's office.

Robert Hoyzer, the referee at the centre of the match-fixing scandal in Germany, was released from prison on strict bail conditions. [AFP/file]

The German Soccer Federation has asked for a lifetime ban for Hoyzer and heavy fine. The 25-year-old referee is under investigation for eight counts of fraud, Grunwald added. Hoyzer faces up to 10 years in prison if charged and convicted.

The biggest soccer corruption scandal in Germany in more than 30 years has overshadowed the country's preparations to hold next year's World Cup.

Hoyzer admitted fixing games in return for bribes from a Croatian gambling ring, which made huge winnings by betting on games Hoyzer officiated. Three Croatian brothers who allegedly masterminded the scheme remain in custody.

Greek police are investigating alleged match-fixing connected to disgraced German referee Robert Hoyzer, seen here in 2004. [AFP/File]

Berlin prosecutors are investigating 25 people, including 14 players and four referees, on suspicion of manipulating at least 10 games, mostly in lower divisions.

The sports court of the country's soccer federation Friday also rejected one of 10 appeals that it's facing from teams who believe their games were manipulated by Hoyzer.

The sports court has handed down rulings on two other games worked by Hoyzer in which the referee admitted to manipulation.

The result of a second-division game in which LR Ahlen beat Wacker Burghausen 1-0 was nullified. A German Cup game won by SC Paderborn 4-2 led to loser Hamburger SV receiving $2.6 million in damages, along with the right to host a lucrative Germany national game.

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