The Czech Football Association (FACR) has been plunged into chaos due to a match-fixing scandal, which is hogging the headlines domestically ahead of the national team's World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night.
Following an investigation involving Europol, Interpol, and UEFA's anti-match-fixing unit, dawn raids were conducted across the country, with much of the focus on Monravia in the east of the nation.
A three-year probe has explored the prevalence of match-fixing in the top four divisions of the Czech League, as well as in youth competitions.
Players, referees, club officials, and a town mayor are all currently being investigated.
FACR president David Trunda said in a message to executive committee members: "Since 6am, a massive operation – perhaps the largest in the history of Czech football – has been under way.
"Europol and Interpol are involved in the operation. Everything is being coordinated with the UEFA anti-match-fixing unit.
"The operation is concentrated primarily in Moravia, covering 99% of the area and involving several dozen individuals.
"This is the result of cooperation between the FACR and the Czech Police.
"The Ethics Committee will initiate proceedings today against more than 40 players, officials, referees, and clubs, including those from the top league down to the fourth division, as well as youth leagues."
Watch Czechia v Republic of Ireland on Thursday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app or listen to commentary on Inside Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.
