MX23RW : Wednesday, March 19 19:46:47| >> :120:10812:10812:

Probe launched into England's World Cup qualifying group?

A match in England's World Cup qualifying group is reportedly at the centre of an investigation due to irregular betting activity.

FIFA has reportedly launched an investigation following allegations of match fixing in England's World Cup 2018 qualifying group.

Lithuania's 2-0 win over Malta on October 13, which came less than a week after the Three Lions had defeated the minnows by the same scoreline, is said to be at the centre of the probe.

According to The Sun, an enquiry is underway with potential ramifications for England's route to Russia 2018 should the claims prove to be true, with previous results possibly being made void and replayed.

Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg told the publication that a FIFA official stormed into the dressing room prior to kickoff to warn of a potential fix following irregular betting activity in the days leading up to the match.

"It was strange and felt very uncomfortable - as if we were being accused of cheating," he said. "I knew I'd done absolutely nothing wrong and had no idea what they were talking about. But I was left thinking, 'If I f*** up now I might end up in the police station'.

"In the event, there was nothing I could do about the goals. I made three or four good saves which show I was doing my best. I have absolutely nothing to hide. But this could really mess up the group because no one knows what might happen next. It's a bulls**t situation."

Lithuania took the lead against Malta through an Arvydas Novikovas goal in the 75th minute and sealed the points thanks to a Fiodor Cernych strike.

ID:284329: cacheID:284329:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2772:
Written by
Daniel Lewis
Restore Data
Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Andrew Hogg: 'Malta can be satisfied'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal291610353242958
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest29166749351454
4Chelsea29147853371649
5Manchester CityMan City29146955401548
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29121164842647
8Fulham2912984338545
9Aston Villa2912984145-445
10Bournemouth29128948361244
11Brentford29125125045541
12Crystal Palace2810993633339
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd29107123740-337
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs291041555431234
15Everton2971393236-434
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2997133349-1634
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2975174058-1826
18Ipswich TownIpswich2938182862-3417
19Leicester CityLeicester2945202565-4017
20Southampton2923242170-499


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!