Zeca takes a stand after having his name mentioned in the operation: “I am not part of bet manipulation”

Right-back Zeca, from Vitória, took a position this Thursday (11) after having his name cited in Operation Maximum Penalty II, from the Public Ministry of Goiás (MPGO), which investigates the involvement of players in a sports betting manipulation scheme. On his Instagram account, the Leão player released a video denying any connection with the episode.

“I am not part of any manipulation of bets. I am not part of anything that links my name to betting, manipulations, I am quite calm about that. What makes me upset are judgments or things that can affect my family”, scored .

Prints of messages revealed this Wednesday (10) by the newspaper O Globo, which had access to the investigation records, point out that the player was approached by Bruno Lopez de Moura, appointed as the head of the scheme.

The contact took place when Zeca was defending the Houston Dynamo, from the United States (USA). Bruno Lopez offered BRL 70,000 for the side to take a yellow card in the team’s next game, while the athlete replied that he would not play in the match.

Zeca confirmed the contact in his video, but denied that he had participated in the scheme. “I saw that the print of a conversation leaked. There really was this conversation. The person called me on Whatsapp. I thought it was even something from a businessman or interested club. He took me by surprise with this unfortunate message. I said that I wasn’t going to play just because I wanted to disconnect so as not to have this type of conversation and end the conversation there. I wanted to disconnect so as not to have more contact with this type of person and situation”, he said.

Vitória understands that there is still not enough evidence to remove the playerwho played in the match against Ceará, this Wednesday, for the 4th round of Série B. Leão intends to continue monitoring the developments of the case, in case there is a stronger indication, to take the appropriate measures.

The side made himself available to the authorities. “I am here open for any clarification and inquiries from higher authorities. I am available at any time. You can call my manager, lawyer or anyone. I am here to say that I have integrity, humility and respect for football. I have always been a good person. nature and I never had a problem with anything”, he pointed out.

Vitória returns to the field next Sunday (14th), at 7 pm, to face Atlético-GO, for the sixth round of Série B. At this moment, Rubro-Negro is the leader of the competition, with 15 points and 100% of success after five games.