Max Alves is Under Investigation for Sports Betting Scheme in Brazil

Max Alves is under investigation by the Brazilian Public Ministry for participating in a sports gambling scheme, as first reported by Gustavo Guimarães of Território MLS. This is part of an investigation that so far includes at least 16 players allegedly getting paid for receiving yellow cards. Most of the players named play in the top two divisions in Brazil.

The probe centers around an alleged agreed upon payment of R$60,000 (Brazilian Real), equivalent to $12,110 USD, for Max receiving a yellow card on September 17, 2022 in a match against LA Galaxy. Colorado lost the game 4-1 and were already eliminated from playoff contention. Max received a caution one minute after subbing into the game with the Rapids already down 4-0.

O Globo has further named Bruno Lopes as the leader of the operation, with messages confirming Max Alves’ involvement and receipt of payment. Houston Dynamo’s Zeca was also reportedly involved. The leaked messages suggest the players were willing to continue the illegal activity with advanced payments.

Max was reportedly given a down payment before the match. Sources conflict on the amount as well as whether he has been paid the full agreed upon amount.

Max has not officially been charged at the time of publishing. The investigation is ongoing. Sources have told Burgundy Wave that authorities could still need more evidence and are in the process of gathering it. There is no timeline for the completion of the investigation. The implicated players in Brazil are not currently playing for their club teams.

If convicted, those involved could be facing a prison sentence of two to six years and a lifetime ban from football in Brazil. One would have to assume if a player is found guilty that FIFA would get involved to prevent that player from playing outside Brazil. Especially if that player’s illegal activity took place in a foreign league.

These allegations should be taken very seriously, though judgement should be withheld by all until the investigation concludes. Everyone involved is innocent until proven guilty.

Max’s career could be at risk. It’s a shame given his potential to go to Europe. For the Rapids, this could be devastating. He’s been separated from the team and is not participating in any club activities while MLS launches an investigation. He was rounding into form and could be lost permanently, wasting the club’s time and money (reportedly $1 million transfer fee) to acquire him. Given the injury to Cole Bassett, this could further set back their season, to say nothing of the reputation hit of having a player who broke the law.

Max’s guaranteed compensation for 2022 was $293,360. One might think $12,000 is small compared to his current and future earnings. Like many Brazilian players, Max grew up in poverty.

It is not clear what this means short term. Burgundy Wave reached out to MLS and the club for comment on the player’s status, their cooperation with the investigation, and whether they will launch investigations of their own. The club has since released the following statement:

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken.

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