Clubs risk expulsion in fixing probe

A number of Belgian clubs risk expulsion from the professional game after the country's soccer association announced this week an investigation into allegations of match-fixing.

The move follows a television programme aired by national broadcaster VRT on Sunday that alleged match-fixing in seven first division matches this season.

"Any club found guilty will be thrown out," Jean-Marie Philips, chairman of the Belgian Professional League, told Reuters. "We intend to use the ultimate sanctions necessary."

UEFA said it would uphold any ban handed down by the Belgian FA.

"We set the criteria but the football associations hand out the club licences and, unless proven otherwise, we would agree with their decision," a UEFA spokesman said.

Sunday's programme alleged 14 players and coaches from several teams were linked to a Shanghai-based gambling ring. All the clubs named deny any wrongdoing.

"One team is bad, but three or four is a disaster. But we will hand down the same punishment, no matter how many teams are involved," Philips said.

Belgian police opened their own investigation in November after reports of unusually heavy betting on Belgian matches.

As part of the police investigation, a Chinese businessman was arrested in Brussels in relation to alleged match-fixing in Belgium.

Bottom club Lierse is under investigation after losing 4-0 to Germinal Beerschot on November 5.

The first investigation into possible match-fixing came after internet betting exchange Betfair logged heavy betting patterns for La Louviere's 3-1 win over St Truiden on October 29. Bets totalling 600,000 euros were staked, about 20 times above average.

St Truiden, who also deny any involvement, have since had their players sign a declaration that they will not bet on any of their games or give away team information.