Claudio Sulser discloses attempted bribe during his career in Swiss second division, highlighting integrity in Swiss sports
"An opposing player came up to me and asked if we would agree to lose the game on purpose"
"I gave the answer on the pitch"
Former Swiss national footballer Claudio Sulser has made headlines by revealing a significant match-fixing attempt during his playing career in the Swiss second division (Nati B). The 69-year-old former striker, known for his integrity in Swiss football, shared his experience in a recent interview with Blick, shedding light on the darker aspects of the sport's history.
During his time with Vevey in the Swiss second division, Sulser faced a direct approach from an opposition player who proposed deliberately losing a match. The opposing team was fighting relegation at the time, adding context to their desperate attempt. Sulser's response was both professional and emphatic - he let his football do the talking, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory that demonstrated his unwavering commitment to sporting integrity.
Sulser's story is particularly interesting due to his unique approach to professional football. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he pursued academic excellence alongside his sporting career, studying law while playing professionally. This decision occasionally led to friction with teammates and coaches, particularly when he and goalkeeper Roger Berbig, who was studying medicine, missed training sessions for their studies. This commitment to education demonstrated Sulser's forward-thinking mindset and understanding of life beyond football.
While Sulser modestly describes himself as a 'frustrated ex-national player who never achieved anything,' his career represents more than just sporting achievements. His stance against match-fixing and commitment to maintaining professional integrity while pursuing education has set an important precedent in Swiss football. His revelation of the match-fixing attempt decades later serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of maintaining sporting integrity and the role players can play in opposing corruption in football.