Rapids suspend Max Alves amid gambling probe – source

The Colorado Rapids suspended winger Max Alves on Wednesday in reference to alleged illegal sports activities gambling, a source with information of the state of affairs informed ESPN.

The Rapids launched a press release saying a participant had been suspended however didn’t establish him: “We are aware of the reports regarding a Colorado Rapids player in connection with unlawful sports gambling. We take matters of this nature seriously and seek at all times to protect the integrity of the game.

“The participant has been faraway from all crew actions whereas MLS conducts an investigation into the matter.”

MLS also issued a statement with similar wording Wednesday, adding that a current and former player had been involved in unlawful gambling.

Earlier Wednesday, prosecutors from Goias state in Brazil charged 16 people, including seven professional soccer players, with alleged match fixing without naming any of the players. However, five players were suspended by their clubs in Brazil on Wednesday in similar fashion to Alves.

A report from Brazilian outlet O Globo hyperlinks Alves to the investigation in Brazil and appears to show that he was paid $12,000 by a company to obtain a yellow card in a match in opposition to the LA Galaxy on Sept. 17, 2022, which he did roughly 90 seconds after getting into the sport in its place.

Additionally, texts obtained within the O Globo report in connection to the investigation in Brazil present that Alves put former Houston Dynamo participant Zeca in contact with the group making the funds and that he was supposed to participate in match fixing Oct. 8, 2022 — MLS’ Decision Day.

Brazilian-born Alves joined the Rapids from Flamengo forward of the 2022 season and made 31 appearances for the membership throughout all competitions.

Alves, who began for the Rapids in Saturday’s 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy, has made 12 appearances for the crew to date in 2023.

ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle contributed to this story.