30 players face ban for fixing in Spain
Spanish prosecutors are asking for a two-year prison sentence and a six-year soccer ban for a group of players accused of match-fixing in the Spanish league seven years ago.
Former Mexico coach Javier Aguirre is facing the same sentence if found guilty in the case involving clubs Levante and Zaragoza at the end of the 2010-11 season.
Among the more than 30 players accused are Ander Herrera, now with Manchester United, Vicente Iborra of Leicester, Atletico Madrid captain Gabi Fernandez and River Plate captain Leonardo Ponzio.
The six-year ban from soccer would be valid outside of Spain as well.
It is unlikely those being accused would face actual prison time if found guilty because sentences of two years or less are often suspended in Spain.
Prosecutors said there is evidence that Zaragoza paid 965,000 euros ($1.1 million) to Levante’s players to lose a match to Zaragoza. Zaragoza’s 2-1 victory in the final round of the season allowed the team to avoid relegation.
A lower court had shelved the case but it was reopened last month after an appeal by prosecutors in Valencia, where the match was played.
PROBE IN BADMINTON
Two Malaysian badminton players are being investigated for suspected match-fixing by the sport’s governing body and could be banned for life if found guilty, a sports official said Wednesday.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is probing the pair over alleged fixing that happened about two years ago, said Norza Zakaria, president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
He refused to disclose their identities but Malaysia’s The Star newspaper reported one used to be a top junior player and the other had taken part in the Thomas Cup, a prestigious team event.
“We have zero tolerance for this kind of heinous behaviour -it will tarnish badminton’s reputation,” Norza told AFP.
The BWF declined to comment.
Under the BWF’s rules, players found guilty of match-fixing can be banned for life. The Star reported that the players, who have been suspended, will attend a BWF hearing in Singapore this month.
Malaysia’s anti-corruption authorities also said they would investigate the allegations.
Match-fixing scandals have in the past hit other sports in Asia, including cricket and football, but have been rare in badminton.
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