FIFA Support Match Fixing Investigation in South Africa

An independent enquiry backed by FIFA will investigate the match-fixing scandal that involves the South African national team.

FIFA found the 2010 World Cup warm-up games against Bulgaria, Thailand, Colombia and Guatemala had been fixed to boost morale in the nation ahead of the tournament.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said: “This long-standing open case is harming South African football. It is vital this matter is concluded soon, with the culprits sanctioned under the zero tolerance policy.”

The mandate of the judicial committee ‘will be limited to matters related to the case of irregularities related to friendly matches of the Safa in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup,’ a FIFA statement said.

“It is critical that structures are set-up in order to tackle similar cases should they happen in the future,” added Valcke.

“I am very pleased by the commitment of the South African government and also Safa to make sure this matter is now dealt with as a highest priority.

“FIFA will provide any advice and support possible both at investigatory and disciplinary level. To this effect a representative from FIFA’s Security Division was also at today’s meeting.”

Head of the judiciary arm of FIFA’s ethics committee, Michael Garcia, could also join the commission subject to constitutional approval.

South Africa beat Thailand 4-0, Colombia 2-1, Guatemala 5-0 and drew 1-1 with Bulgaria before the 2010 World Cup kicked off.