A chief suspect in one of European football’s biggest match-fixing scandals has been unexpectedly released on bail by a court in Bochum yesterday after nearly 18 months in jail.

Having been held in custody since November 2009, Ante Sapina, 35, has been bailed for €50,000 after co-operating with prosecutors during the trial which started last October.

“One thing is clear, Mr Sapina, we give you a chance and if you think you could go underground, do not worry – the police will find you,” judge Wolfgang Mittrup told Sapina.

Sapina declined to comment on the advice of his lawyers and his release is subject to strict conditions.

He must report to police three times a week in Berlin.

Sapina is thought to be a key member of a gang who manipulated nearly 300 football games across Europe, including minor Champions League and World Cup qualifiers, by bribing players and officials, and is on trial for fraud.

On Thursday, the court sentenced three members of the betting ring to prison terms of up to three years and 11 months.