Fifa To Investigate Match-fixing Probe

FIFA, the governing body of world football, is investigating claims that over 300 matches, spanning three continents, have been influenced by match-fixing – according to media reports.

The ruling body reportedly suspects match officials of being paid as little as $10,000 to help manufacture certain results for international friendly matches and European club games.

The resulting score lines are believed to net fixers hundreds of millions in the Asian betting markets.

Chris Eaton, head of security at FIFA, said: ‘The threat from match-fixing to the integrity of the global game is significant’.

‘Interviews with those involved have told us that fixers can spend upwards of $300 000 to stage a friendly international and they do that with the expectation of a significant profit margin’.

Matches under suspicion include club games in Germany and Finland, Europa League fixtures and friendly internationals involving Kuwait, Jordan, Bolivia, Latvia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Malaysia and Zimbabwe.

The world’s attention was caught by an international friendly game between Bahrain and Togo, after the African country denied sending a side, which were consequently represented by a team of amateurs.

The game finished 3-0 to Bahrain, who had five goals disallowed.

FIFA also fear that the upcoming Under-17 and Under-20 World Championships could be at risk.

Eaton added: ‘We have admissions from those we are focusing on that they have been planning to target younger players at the under-17 and under-20 level’.

‘That is enough to make me concerned that we need to put preventative measures in place’.