Uefa names five clubs in match-fixing probe

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 22:44

UEFA has vowed to take stiff action against anyone found guilty of match-fixing after naming five clubs involved in suspect fixtures.

Europe's governing body met with nine national football associations to discuss the massive investigation into both domestic and continental matches being undertaken by authorities in Germany. The case involved around 200 matches, and Uefa has launched its own inquiry into seven Champions and Europa League matches under its own jurisdiction.

Those matches involve five clubs, named yesterday as KF Tirana and KS Vllaznia of Albania, FC Dinaburg of Latvia, NK IB Ljubljana of Slovenia, and Budapest Honved of Hungary. And Uefa promised to fully prosecute the case if wrong-doing is found.

"Uefa and the national associations will not refrain from taking severe action within their responsibility and Uefa will provide assistance and co-ordinate matters in all procedures whenever necessary," Uefa said in a statement. "Uefa and the nine associations are fully committed to eradicate these malpractices that are threatening the game. No distinction will be made as to whether this malpractice originates from a player, an official or any other individual."

That is almost certain to include criminal prosecutions, as Uefa said it was working closely with the German authorities.

"Uefa and the national associations are facing a case of organised crime which exceeds the investigative power of sports jurisdiction," Uefa's statement added. "They are grateful to the state authorities for their firm action. Uefa and the national associations will contact the competent authorities in each country to obtain access to the relevant information involving clubs and individuals within their jurisdiction."

Several arrests have already been made across Europe after the investigation began at the start of the year.