Romanian Football Mogul Sues Anticorruption Department Over Bribery Scandal
Early May, Gigi Becali was placed under criminal investigation on two counts of bribery, FC Universitatea Cluj president, Anton Dobos, for bribe taking, Traian Bendorfean, for accessory to bribe taking, and Steaua official Teia Sponte for accessory to bribery.
"As a result of inquiries conducted, in the decision for the start of criminal investigations, prosecutors mention that on May 11, 2006, Becali George, owner 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, Sponte was found in Cluj in possession of EUR1.7 million, money that the prosecutors seized.
Gigi Becali, in turn, said on TV Chanel Sport.ro his people had EUR1.7 million of his money, but the money was not meant for Universitatea Cluj players, stressing he was planning to buy a land in Cluj.