Chilean football icon Arturo Vidal has become embroiled in controversy following his red card during the Copa Libertadores match between Colo Colo and Racing Club.
As reported by SBC Noticias, questions were raised over the situation when it was discovered that online betting platform “Juega con el King”, with which Vidal holds a commercial agreement, had offered the market that he would be red-carded during the match.
As a result, the former Barcelona central midfielder now faces an investigation from the Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol (Conmebol).
Furthermore, the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP) of Chile indicated that Vidal could have violated an article of the disciplinary code, which prohibits players from participating in sports or having economic interests in sports parties.
“We talked to the player and he said that he was hired only as the image of the sportsbook, but given that this situation has escalated, we ask him to dissolve his relationship with the betting house because it is clearly causing us problems”, stated Mosa, the President of Colo Colo.
The potential punishment levelled at Vidal remains to be seen should he be found guilty. However, separate investigations are currently ongoing.
Conmebol has stated that Vidal could face a million-dollar fine if he is found guilty of wrongdoing in the case.
At 38 years old, Vidal is approaching the end of his career, having previously enjoyed major success in Europe before returning to South America from Inter Milan in 2022.
Prior to that, he won titles at Juventus, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, as well as notching up 146 caps for the Chile national team.
Colo Colo currently sit 12th in the Chilean top tier and will be looking to avoid any distractions as the club eyes avoiding a relegation battle this season.
