Officials to probe 'match-fixing'

Namibia (red) in action in their Nations Cup game against Ghana

Confederation of African Football officials are to investigate match-fixing claims at the Nations Cup.

Benin coach Reinhard Fabisch and members of the Namibia squad claim to have been offered money to fix the outcome of some of their games.

"We are launching an investigation into both cases," confirmed Caf official Soulemine Hubouba. "We're following this with great concern."

But he added that "match-fixing is not rampant in Africa".

Fabisch claimed he was approached before his side's opening game with Mali, a match they lost 1-0, while some Namibia players claimed they were approached to fix their final group game against Guinea.

They say they were offered $30,000 per player to throw Monday's game in Sekondi.

I warned them about the impact accepting these sorts of offers could have on their careers. Namibia Football Association president John Muinjo

Namibia Football Association president John Muinjo said his players spoke to him and he informed Caf.

Although Namibia have only a slim mathematical chance of progressing at the tournament, Muinjo said that the players did not consider taking the money.

"My players were approached by a man saying he represented a syndicate and offered them money to lose the game," he said.

"The players came to me immediately to tell me and we've informed Caf of what has happened.

"The players were offered up to $30,000 to lose the game.

"They were offered half in advance but told they had to be able during the game to manipulate the score on the instructions of the syndicate."

Muinjo said he had immediately called a meeting with the squad, warning them of the dangers of bribery.

"I'm very proud that my players came to see me straight away," added Muinjo.

"I warned them about the impact accepting these sorts of offers could have on their careers.

"They are a team who believe in fair play."

Benin coach Fabisch told the BBC that he was asked if he would help fix the result of his side's match against Mali, and said he would be willing to give Caf details of the man who made the approach.

The German added that the man spoke to him at the team's hotel on Saturday, two days before his side's defeat by Mali.

Following the 4-1 defeat to Ivory Coast on Friday, Fabisch said the man contacted him twice.

"The following morning he called me again asking 'have you thought about my suggestion?'," he added when speaking to the BBC.

"I said 'yes I have thought about it, I'm still calling the police if you come again,' and I put down the receiver."