The Asian Confederation has told Reuters it is investigating a report of match-fixing in Lebanon, where 24 players have been banned following allegations that international and regional games were rigged.

The Lebanese Federation on Tuesday announced the punishments, including lifetime bans for Malaysian-based defender Ramez Dayoub and Indonesian-based forward Mahmoud El-Ali, which centre on international fixtures and AFC Cup matches, the second tier regional club tournament.

“We have received a report today and our disciplinary committee are looking into it,” an AFC spokesman said yesterday.

The two-month investigation involving over 60 witnesses was led by the general secretary of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF), Fadi Zreiqat, who said the players had the right to appeal the decision.

Dayoub, who along with Ali was fined $15,000, denied the allegations and said he would fight to clear his name.

“I am not guilty. They have suspended me and accused me of match-fixing without any evidence or proof,” Dayoub told FOX Sports.

Lebanon are still in the running to qualify for their first World Cup finals with three matches to go but any punishment from the AFC or FIFA could see their hopes dashed.

The news is a blow to Asian football, which has been hit by match-fixing incidents in China, Korea and Malaysia in recent years.

The AFC will elect a new president in May with match-fixing the top priority to tackle for the four candidates who have confirmed they will run.

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