Five clubs suspected by UEFA for match-fixing

Five clubs, KF Tirana (Albania), KS Vllaznia (Albania), FC Dinaburg (Latvia), NK IB Llubljana (Slovenia) and Honved (Hungary), has been identified by UEFA as allegedly involved in match-fixing.

According to the European goverining body, the fixing took place during seven qualifying round games in the Champions League and Europa League between July 16 and Aug. 6.

About 200 matches are being currently investigated in a criminal probe led from Germany. Thirty-two matches in Germany are under suspicion.

German police said that they had dismantled a gang with more than 200 suspected members operating in nine European leagues.

A statement from UEFA read: "UEFA and the national associations will not refrain from taking severe action within their responsibility.

"UEFA and the nine associations are fully committed to eradicate these malpractices that are threatening the game. No distinction will be made as to whether this malpractice originates from a player, an official or any other individual.

"UEFA will file criminal complaints, together with the relevant national associations, as soon as possible against clubs, officials and/or players in those countries concerned.

"UEFA and the national associations are facing a case of organised crime which exceeds the investigative power of sports jurisdiction.

"We are grateful to the state authorities for their firm action, also in the interest of sport.

"We will contact the competent authorities in each country to obtain access to the relevant information involving clubs and individuals within their jurisdiction."