MEXICO CITY — On Saturday, seven players from two clubs competing in Mexico’s third division faced a collective suspension totaling 57 years due to their involvement in sports gambling and match-fixing activities.

Six of the suspended individuals were members of Real Apodaca, while one belonged to Correcaminos UAT.

The disciplinary committee of the Mexican Football Association, along with the respective clubs, did not disclose the names of the suspended athletes nor provide details regarding the specific matches that were compromised.

Among the sanctions, both Real Apodaca and Correcaminos had a player each banned from participating in soccer for a duration of 16 years. Additionally, three players received sanctions of seven years each, and two others were hit with two-year suspensions.

Real Apodaca, a team established in 2023 and based in Nuevo Leon in northern Mexico, previously suspended its six players earlier this week. According to reports from local news outlets, members of Real Apodaca intentionally lost matches, often by margins of two goals or more.

The enforcement of such significant penalties underscores the seriousness with which the Mexican Football Association regards integrity in the sport.