CHANGWON (Yonhap News) -- Prosecutors in this southern coastal city said Sunday they arrested three pro football players for alleged involvement in a widening game-fixing scandal.

The three, all from Daejeon Citizen football club based in the central city of Daejeon, were the latest to be arrested by prosecutors in the probe that began earlier this month. Two other Daejeon Citizen players and two brokers have already been arrested.

According to prosecution officials, the players are suspected of receiving money for helping fix the results of an April 6 match between Daejeon Citizen and Pohang Steelers. Daejeon lost 3-0.

Sports gambling in Korea is gaining popularity as many people bet large amounts of money on football, baseball and other spectator sports through Sports Toto, the only licensed sports lottery in Korea.

The latest match-fixing scandal comes as a severe blow to the nation's 16-club professional football league, which has been struggling with dwindling game attendance.

K-league's attendance has dropped over the past three seasons, while the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has enjoyed record spectators during the same period, according to data.

(Yonhap News)