The plot thickens around the alleged fixed match between Zaragoza and Levante back in 2011. According to investigations, seven players and their coach received payments made by their president, Agapito Iglesias, only to return the money days later. One of the players who allegedly received money is Manchester United's Ander Herrera, and Atletico Madrid's captain Gabi, who scored a brace to help Zaragoza avoid relegation.
The investigation is currently focusing on at least eight players and the manager of the club at the time, Javier Aguirre. The presence of one of Manchester United's stars is notable in the form of Ander Herrera. He played in that game and will have to explain the bank transfers.
There are other players in the same situation as him, such as then captain Leo Ponzio, who hasn't had to appear due to the fact that he lives currently in Argentina. The same applies to the current Japan manager, Javier Aguirre, and HJK Helsinki's goalkeeper Toni Doblas. If Zaragoza's former owner is prosecuted, then everybody will have to declare before the courts.
The defense of those who have appeared before anti-corruption prosecutors so far is exactly the same as the one used by Atletico Madrid's captain Gabi: They do not deny receiving the income which Agapito Iglesias claims was a bonus, but have explained that this is untrue and that they returned the exact sum which they received a few hours later in cash.
None of them have admitted to knowing what Iglesias was going to use the vast sum of cash for. Many suspected that it consisted of a personal transaction of the executive related to Real Zaragoza's imminent bankruptcy.
Mexican coach Javier Aguirre, currently working with the Japanese National Team, who is also being investigated:
