German refs to be given new code of conduct

German referees will be asked to sign a new code of conduct that will prohibit them from betting on games in the wake of the match-fixing scandal that has shaken soccer in the country.

Volker Roth, Germany's refereeing chief, has called a meeting for tomorrow with 42 match officials from the top two divisions of the Bundesliga after suspicions were raised by the German Football Association over referee Robert Hoyzer.

Hoyzer denies allegations of match-fixing.

"It is only normal that referees do not take part in sports betting," Roth, who is also the head of UEFA's refereeing commission, said yesterday in a statement.

"I'll be referring to precisely that issue."

The Bild newspaper reported that Roth wanted referees to sign a new code of conduct expressly banning any involvement with betting on matches.

"Those who do not sign will not stay on the list," Roth was quoted as saying. "I don't want any cover-ups. This has caused immense damage."

The German Football Association suspects Hoyzer of fixing a Cup match between first division Hamburg SV and SC Paderborn in August last year while they are investigating another five matches in the second division and regional leagues.