Ander Herrera one of 36 footballers facing jail and six-year football ban over alleged match-fixing scandal

La Liga officials are wanting the maximum four-year jail terms rather than the two Spanish state prosecutors are chasing

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Ander Herrera could be facing time in jail after prosecutors said on Monday that they want to put him behind bars over an alleged match-fixing scandal.

Spanish state prosecutors are demanding a two-year prison sentence and a six-year ban from playing football for the 36 players involved in an indictment lodged in Valencia earlier this month.

Two-year sentences are normally suspended for first-time offenders in Spain but on Monday lawyers from La Liga demanded stiffer penalties of four-year prison sentences – the maximum possible – if they are found guilty of sports corruption from the May 2011 match between Herrera’s old side Real Zaragoza and Levante. The game saw Deportivo La Coruna relegated after Zaragoza won 2-1.

The indictment is still calling for the six-year ban from all footballing activity if the 36 players are convicted, with the trial set to start at the beginning of next year.

La Liga press officers had not made an official comment on the indictment while Herrera has previously denied any knowledge or involvement in the scandal.

“As I stated back in 2014 when this issue was raised, I have never had and will never have anything to do with manipulating match results,” Herrera said earlier this month. “If I am ever called to testify in a judicial hearing, I will be delighted to attend as my conscience is totally clear.

“I love football and I believe in fair play, both on and off the pitch.”

Spanish newspaper Las Provincias claim the 42 people involved could face prison sentences ranging anywhere from six months to four years if found guilty.