Czech mayor Jan Wolf sought by police in football corruption scandal

Police from the National Central Anti‑Organised Crime Unit have issued a search order for Jan Wolf, the mayor of Karviná and former official of the city’s MFK Karviná football club. Wolf is accused of influencing three league matches in a corruption case that also led to the arrest of 32 individuals.

The Czech Football Association’s Ethics Committee ruled on Monday that Wolf is barred from any football activity for 12 years and imposed a CZK 3 million fine. The committee also expelled MFK Karviná from the top division and opened 47 disciplinary proceedings.

Wolf denies any wrongdoing and has rejected the Ethics Committee’s decision in a written statement, criticizing the overlap of disciplinary and criminal processes. Despite the scandal, he intends to run for re‑election as mayor. His deputy, Lukáš Raszyk, confirmed that Wolf is on a pre‑planned vacation and that city administration continues to operate normally. The investigation remains ongoing, with the prosecutor’s office withholding further details.