A football player, who was amongst five persons arrested in an ICAC operation in connection with suspected bribery in fixing a football match in the First Division Football League organised by the Hong Kong Football Association, was charged for his alleged role in offering an advantage to another football player this (Thursday) evening.

The defendant, 27, faces one count of offering an advantage to an agent, contrary to Section 9(2) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. He will be brought to the Kowloon City Magistracy tomorrow (Friday) for plea.

The defendant is alleged of offering an unspecified sum to a football player of a football club as a reward for his assistance in fixing a match to be held on October 3, 2009.

The four other footballers, arrested in the ICAC operation codenamed "Monsoon", will be released on ICAC bail later tonight, pending further inquiries.

The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. The Hong Kong Football Association offered full assistance to the ICAC during its inquiries.