July 12 – Football’s global match-fixing scourge, regarded as the biggest threat to the integrity of the sport, has now struck at the heart of CONCACAF with the confederation confirming that two Belize players were offered bribes to throw their opening match of the Gold Cup, the region’s blue riband event, against the United States.
The host nation comfortably won Tuesday’s encounter 6-1 after which reports emerged that Belize players Woodrow West and Ian Gaynair had been approached prior to the fixture in Portland, Oregon.
Both turned down the bribe and notified officials ahead of the match. CONCACAF say they have already discovered the identity of the individual responsible, in association with FIFA.
Much of the match-fixing that has plagued football in recent years has its roots in south-east Asia. Few further details of the current case have been divulged but CONCACAF, which has made considerable efforts under its current regime to improve its image following a spate of corruption scandals, was quick to confirm that “match manipulation” had been attempted.
An official statement read: “CONCACAF was notified of an attempt to bribe Belize national team players Woodrow West and Ian Gaynair on July 7, two days ahead of their Group A, Gold Cup match against the United States that took place in Portland, OR.
“Both players directly approached confederation officials immediately after the incident took place to report the attempted offense. Following the report by the players, CONCACAF launched a full investigation alongside FIFA.
“Initial findings of this investigation have resulted in a positive identification of the individual attempting the bribery. We want to thank Woodrow West and Ian Gaynair and recognize them for their bravery and commitment to preserving the integrity of our game.
“The fight against match-manipulation is a top priority for CONCACAF. In alignment with FIFA guidelines and with the help of outside entities such as INTERPOL, we have taken all necessary measures to ensure the legitimacy of each game played throughout the 2013 Gold Cup.
“In the past months, CONCACAF, FIFA and INTERPOL have conducted three separate seminars with all Member Associations in the region that have focused on educating, identifying and preventing match manipulation. We are precluded from commenting any further on this matter, due to the ongoing status of the investigation.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734901244labto1734901244ofdlr1734901244owedi1734901244sni@w1734901244ahsra1734901244w.wer1734901244dna1734901244