Espanyol vs. Osasuna in May 2014 to Be Reported by LFP for Alleged Match Fixing

The LFP has revealed it will report Espanyol's 1-1 draw against Osasuna—which took place on May 11, 2014—for alleged match fixing.

Juan Jimenez of AS suggested this decision was taken after an audit unearthed €2,416,611 in "unaccredited" cash on Osasuna's accounts and, indeed, after a betting pattern of €250,000 was found to be placed on the match. Miguel Archanco, Osasuna's former president, is also under investigation from Spain's anti-corruption police.

Jimenez provided further detail:

"

According to data from the audit to which AS has had access, in Osasuna's books the 2,416,611 euros was itemized in the following way: 900,000 to two estate agents, Cristina Valencia and Alberto Nolla, 1,440,000 to Portuguese investment firm Flefield (which does not come up on a Google search) and 76,611 to a player agent identified only by the surname Lopez for scouting and consultation services.

"

Espanyol vice president Rafael Entrena released a statement on the club's website denying the allegations:

"

We want to make it absolutely clear that the RCD Espanyol Barcelona has had no involvement in any match-fixing or any irregularity. We defend the purity and sportsmanship of the competition. Now and forever. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona collaborate actively and decisively with both Prosecutor in his case, as with all sports institutions, to reach the ultimate consequences in the investigation of these facts provided that the information is true and that investigation occurs. And it is absolutely clear that the club RCD Espanyol de Barcelona has no relationship with any irregularity. And if that investigation concludes that someone has committed an irregularity, he will face the consequences.

"

"Osasuna had no benefit because the team was relegated," stated Osasuna president Luis Sabalza, courtesy of ITV.com. 

It is now the LFP's task to determine whether this activity is connected to an alleged match-fixing scandal. Sufficient evidence can yield between six months and four years in prison, not to mention bans from UEFA-based competitions.

Espanyol are currently 12 points away from La Liga's Europa League qualification places, but the Barcelona-based club could qualify through a successful run in the Copa del Rey. They have reached the semi-finals of the competition this season, where they stand 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao after the first leg.

Osasuna are 12th in Liga Adelante after suffering relegation last season.

According to Jimenez, the LFP can file their evidence with the public prosecutor, police or Barcelona magistrates' court after the match took place in Catalonia.