Police in Germany have arrested suspects involved in an illegal betting ring that is allegedly fixing matches in top European leagues.

It is still unclear in which countries the fixing has been taking place and just how many people are believed to be involved but some league matches around Europe have definitely been affected.

"There were many searches and arrests made in the whole of the state (of Germany) and abroad," the state prosecutor's office in the city of Bochum said in a statement.

It is understood the suspects were arrested after allegedly trying to influence players, coaches and officials to fix matches.

The Bochum prosecution will hold a news conference on Friday to provide further details with a European football (UEFA) representative present as well, the statement also said.