Sporting digest: Football

REGINALDO MATHIAS, a referee in Brazil until 1985 and a former president of the Rio de Janeiro referees' assocation, said yesterday that match-fixing in the Rio state championship has been common since 1985, and that some referees were corrupt. This follows allegations of plots to rig the results of some matches in this year's championship.

THE draw for the preliminary rounds of the three Uefa club competitions next season will be held in Geneva on 21 July. A increase in members after the break-up of eastern Europe has necessitated a separate draw for the preliminary rounds of the European Cup, Cup Winners' Cup and Uefa Cup. The draw for the first- round proper will be on 26 August.