adminLONDON. – Nigeria’s World Cup warm-up friendly against Scotland in London yesterday was the subject of a match-fixing investigation by Britain’s serious crime squad. The National Crime Agency, which investigates serious and organised crime, is said to have asked world football’s governing body Fifa to issue an alert over attempts to influence the game at Fulham’s stadium Craven Cottage.
The NCA are said to have told Fifa they had general information from Asian betting markets suggesting there had been attempts to rig the friendly and they hoped to stop any suspect activities by issuing the alert.
A Fifa spokesman said they worked closely with law enforcement agencies and other sports organisations to tackle match manipulation, and encouraged anyone with information to contact their integrity hotline or confidential reporting system.
Fifa were aware of the reports, the spokesman said, adding: “We are not in a position to comment or provide information on any match-manipulation investigations that are ongoing so as not to compromise investigations, nor do we provide any comments as to whether or not any investigations are under way.”
Stewart Regan, the Scottish Football Association chief executive, said: “We have been liaising with the NCA and Fifa, and will be preparing for the match as normal.”
Newspaper reports said there was no suggestion that any players were involved.
Nigeria’s coach and players said they were stunned by the suspicions surrounding the Scotland friendly. – AFP.
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