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Namibia blow the lid on match-fixing row
Namibia said on Saturday they had been approached to fix a match at the African Nations Cup, having been offered $30,000 (Dh110,340) per player to throw their final group game against Guinea in Sekondi tomorrow.
- Reuters
- Published: 23:33 January 26, 2008
Accra: Namibia said on Saturday they had been approached to fix a match at the African Nations Cup, having been offered $30,000 (Dh110,340) per player to throw their final group game against Guinea in Sekondi tomorrow.
Namibia Football Association president John Muinjo said he had been told of the offer by his players and had immediately informed the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
"My players were approached by a man saying he represented a syndicate and offered them money to lose the game," Muinjo said yesterday.
It follows a similar approach to Benin coach Reinhard Fabisch before the start of the tournament by an unidentified man, purporting to represent betting interests.
"The players came to me immediately to tell me and we've informed CAF of what has happened," said Muinjo.
"The players were offered up to $30,000 to lose the game. They were offered half in advance but told they had to be able during the game to manipulate the score on the instructions of the syndicate."
Muinjo said he had immediately called a meeting with the squad, warning them of the dangers of bribery.
"I'm very proud that my players came to see me straight away. I warned them about the impact accepting these sorts of offers could have on their careers. They are a team who believe in fair play."
There was no immediate official reaction from CAF on the latest controversy but officials said an investigation had been launched.
Similar offer
On Thursday, Fabisch revealed details of an approach he received last week, ahead of Benin's opening game against Mali in Sekondi.
Fabisch was to sign an official affidavit yesterday about the approach, which he rejected. The Benin coach said he had been approached by a man who claimed to be from a Singapore-based company.
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