FIFA confirms Ghana FA approach over match-fixing reports, rubbishes World Cup compromise claims

Published on: 24 June 2014
FIFA confirms Ghana FA approach over match-fixing reports, rubbishes World Cup compromise claims
The Black Stars performance at the World Cup have not affected by match fixers

Fifa has confirmed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has approached the ruling body regarding allegations from an English newspaper that the federation attempted to fix football matches for the Black Stars.

The world football governing body rubbished claims by the Daily Telegraph newspaper that 'a match-fixing cloud hangs over the ongoing World Cup' insisting that the tournament in Brazil have been compromised by the allegations.

The newspaper sought to create the impression in its article that the World Cup has been compromised in with a banner headline: 'Match fixing cloud hangs over the World Cup', seeking maximum traction for its claims.

The GFA reported the matter to FIFA last week after some officials in Ghana football - no directly linked with the Black Stars - were secretly filmed agreeing to arrange for the national side to take part in matches that were going to be rigged.

An undercover investigation by the Telegraph newspaper and English broadcaster Channel 4's 'Dispatches' programme appeared to show Forsythe and Nketiah on camera claiming to be able to employ corrupt officials who would help to fix friendly matches played by Ghana.

The Telegraph newspaper also sought to create the impression that the Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi was involved in the deal even though they were only seen offering to organise friendly matches and not fixed matches in their secret filming.

Irked by the secret film showing Christopher Forsythe, a Fifa-registered agent, and Obed Nketiah, the CEO of Berekum Chelsea Football Club, the GFA reported the matter to FIFA and the Ghana Police to investigate the two men over the claims.

On Sunday the Ghanaian FA revealed in a statement that they had reported the pair to the police for allegedly "misrepresenting the GFA with an attempt to defraud", and Fifa says it is aware of the allegations.

"We are aware of the media reports and have been contacted by the Ghana Football Association on this matter," FIFA said in a statement on Monday.

"In line with standard procedures, Fifa's security division is evaluating the matter.

"It is important to note that we have no indications that the integrity of the FIFA World Cup has been compromised.

"Speaking generally, the integrity of the game is a top priority for Fifa and as such we take any allegations of match manipulation very seriously."

Nyantakyi has threatened legal action against the Telegraph newspaper and could extend it to the Channel Four television

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