Romanian Football Mogul Probed For Bribery

The press office within DNA confirmed that prosecutors initiated criminal investigations against the four.

Gigi Becali is under criminal investigation on two counts of bribery, Anton Dobos for bribe taking, Teia Sponte for accessory to bribery and Traian Bendorfean for accessory to bribe taking.

"As a result of inquiries conducted, in the decision for the commencement of criminal investigations prosecutors mention that on May 11, 2006, Becali George, financer of Romanian football club Steaua Bucharest, made a solid promise to the players of football club «Gloria 1922» Bistrita, offering them EUR5,000 each for a tie and EUR10,000 each for a victory in the game against «Rapid Bucharest» which was set to take place the next day," the prosecutors state, referring to the first act of bribery for which Becali is under investigation.

The second count of bribery refers to the period of time between May 5 and May 7, 2008, when Becali "offered directly and indirectly" the sum of EUR1.7 million to Anton Dobos, as well as to several Universitatea Cluj players, so that the club “would correctly defend their game chances and do everything possible to obtain at least a tie in the game against «CFR 1907 Cluj», Steaua’s opponent for the championship title.

Thus, on May 7, 2008, Steaua official Teia Sponte was found in Cluj in possession of EUR1.7 million, money that the prosecutors seized.

The institution said the culprits were informed on the charges brought against them, "except Becali George who, despite subpoena, did not appear before prosecutors."

Gigi Becali said on television show Sport.ro said his people had EUR1.7 million of his money, but the money was not meant for Universitatea Cluj players.

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