Charge ©f World Cuop bribery ‘groundless’

Press, 5 November 1984, Page 41

Charge ©f World Cuop bribery ‘groundless’

NZPA-Reuter Rome Joao Havelange, president of the International Football Federation, has rejected as groundless allegations that Italy bribed Cameroon .to “fix" a match in the 1982 World Cup. Mr Havelange said at a news conference in Rome that an inquiry into allegations made by an Italian weekly magazine, “Epoca,” had concluded that the match was played fairly.

“F.I.F.A. has reached the conclusion that the accusations of corruption are without foundation and that the Italy-Cameroon match was played in correct sporting conditions,” he said. “Epoca” alleged in September that representatives of Italy’s world cup squad paid Cameroon. SUSIOO,OOO to ensure a 1-1 draw in a first-phase match in Spain on June 23, 1982. The result left the teams

equal in second place in their group. Italy went on to beat Argentina and Brazil before overcoming Poland in the semi-finals and West Germany 3-1 in the final. Italy’s manager, Enzo Bearzot, and his players have vehemently denied the “Epoca” allegations. Mr Havelange said the F.I.F.A. inquiry had heard evidence from representatives of the Italian and Cameroon soccer federa-

tions, who both rejected the . accusations, and considered the case closed. “F.I.F.A. regrets that the associations of Cameroon and Italy have been discredited by irresponsible articles and thanks them for their co-operation in this affair,” he said. Mr Havelange is in Rome to discuss with Italian , officials preparations for the 1990 World Cup, which is likely to be held in Italy.