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Cape Town - Cape Town City revealed that they were among several clubs who signed 'fake footballer' Bernio Verhagen, who was arrested in Denmark on multiple charges last week.
The 25-year-old signed for City at the start of this season but was reportedly released in secret shortly afterwards as it became apparent, he was not good as good as the club believed he would be.
Verhagen was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse and robbery but could have fraud added to his charge sheet after Danish club Viborg registered a criminal complaint with the authorities.
Similar to the situation at the Citizens, Viborg signed the winger from Chilean side Audax Italiano, without ever seeing him play and on the advice of a well-known European agent, but quickly realised their mistake at his first training session and removed him from the field of play.
"There is a clear picture of a large scam that is likely to involve more people in several countries," Viborg said in a statement on the issue.
City claim that, even though the player was officially signed by the club, they were fortunate enough to realise what was going on before any money had been lost.
"It turned out to be a fake phone call with someone imitating the agent. Unfortunately, we had done the paperwork but luckily no money had been paid over‚" said City media officer Julian Bailey.
Owner John Comitits told Reuters: "He was never registered or has played for Cape Town City. He was going to, but we discovered that something was not right, so we pulled out of giving him an official contract."
