Poland midfielder Lukasz Piszczek has been indicted over a match-fixing scandal involving his former club, Zaglebie Lubin, Polish media reported Tuesday quoting prosecutors. The 25-year-old was among 14 individuals indicted, Polish dailies, sports websites and the PAP news agency reported.
According to Polish legal custom, none gave the player's full name, describing him only as Lukasz P. But they left no doubt as to his identity, describing him as a Poland international who plays for Borussia Dortmund. Piszczek left Zaglebie for Hertha Berlin in 2007 and joined his current club this season. Several newspapers also published his easily-recognisable photograph, with only the eyes blacked out.
The investigation focused on a May 2006 top-flight match pitting Zaglebie against Cracovia Krakow. Zaglebie needed a draw to clinch a berth in UEFA Cup qualifying. The match ended 0-0. The plot was reportedly hatched by two Cracovia players and a dentist who acted as a go-between with members of Zaglebie's squad.
A total of 100,000 zloty (25,000 euros, 36,000 dollars) was handed over to Cracovia players. Piszczek and 11 other individuals reportedly admitted their offence but will have to wait until a court rules on the penalty, which could range from a fine to up to two years behind bars.