Nigeria-Argentina game the latest under FIFA investigation for suspected match fixing

By David Gold

June 5 – Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Argentina last Wednesday (June 1) is the latest and highest profile international friendly match to come under investigation by FIFA for suspected match fixing.

World football’s governing body said in a statement: “FIFA can confirm that this match between Nigeria and Argentina was one that we had an active interest in, and forms part of a wider ongoing FIFA investigation.

“In particular, FIFA will be working closely with colleagues at the FIFA early warning system.”

Two controversial penalties were awarded during the match in the Nigerian capital Abuja, the first converted by the home side’s Victor Obinna to make it 2-0 after Ikechukwu Uche had already scored.

Uche scored again before Emmanuel Emenike made it 4-0 to the African side, against an under strength Argentina team featuring just two players included in their Copa America squad.

A dubious last minute penalty scored by Mauro Boselli pulled one back for Sergio Batista’s side.

It follows a number of games across the world under investigation for match fixing, including friendly games between Bulgaria and Estonia, and Latvia and Bolivia earlier this year, where all seven goals in their two games were scored from the penalty spot.

A game between Kuwait and Jordan is also being looked into.

Both FIFA and UEFA have pledged to combat the wave of corruption blighting international friendlies, with world football’s governing body joining up with Interpol last month to pledge €20 million (£18 million/$29 milllion) to the cause over the next decade.

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