Fifa alleges youth bribery attempt

Two members of a Far East betting syndicate tried to bribe players taking part in the World Youth Championships in Qatar, according to football's world governing body, Fifa. It is alleged that the two men approached players of at least four teams in the 16-nation tournament.

Fifa has officially refused to divulge the nationality of the men or the teams involved, but hinted arrests would shortly be made. Keith Cooper, a Fifa spokesman, said: "Because of security reasons, we have been asked not to reveal the nationalities of the men. As yet they have not been apprehended, but the investigation is ongoing.

"The names of the two persons are known to Fifa and the local organising committee. If and when they are apprehended, they will be declared persona non grata by Fifa." He said that they were satisfied there was no evidence of any matches being influenced so far, or of any player acting "against the ethics of honesty and fair play".

According to sources close to the investigation, the teams involved are Burundi, Cameroon, Honduras and Portugal, and the two men offered cash as well as the services of two Malaysian prostitutes.

Cooper confirmed there had been an indication of women being involved, but "there was no proof of any personal or sexual relationship between them and the players. We deny there has been any sexual relationship here."

Two AEK Athens players were sent off and the referee had his shirt torn by angry players after he awarded a late penalty to Panathinaikos in Wednesday's Greek Cup final. The AEK captain, Stelios Manolas, and Michalis Vlachos both rushed to the referee, Costas Bakas, after he gave a penalty in the dying seconds of extra time, when the score was still 0-0.

The referee emerged from the mle with his shirt ripped, and immediately sent both players off. Enraged AEK fans then went on a rampage, breaking seats and throwing the pieces on to the field, along with bottles, coins, lighters and other objects.

Play was held up for nearly 10 minutes before Christo Warzycha converted the penalty to secure a 1-0 victory.