Aussies in betting probe
18 Jun 2006 - 11:07:29
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- Aussies in betting probe
FIFA is planning to investigate Tim Cahill's admission that several of his team-mates put money on him to score Australia's first goal in the Socceroos' World Cup opener against Japan.
It is believed the gambling was only between squad members and there is no suggestion that the outcome of the match was influenced in any way by the betting.
However, FIFA required every player at the World Cup to sign an agreement pledging to abstain from gambling on the tournament.
Officials from football's governing body must now decide whether betting among team-mates is an offence that merits punishment or whether a warning will suffice.
A FIFA official told the News of the World: "I can confirm that the declaration set out by FIFA and signed by all players and staff of each of the 32 nations clearly states that no betting is allowed for the members of the delegations.
"This includes internal betting within the players of any team, which is also strictly not allowed.
"The committee has made it very clear that no betting in any form should be taking place and they will investigate any case thoroughly."