The Asian Football Confederation is investigating a report of matchfixing in Lebanon, "after the World Cup hopefuls handed out punishments to 22 players for rigging games," according to Patrick Johnston of REUTERS. The Lebanese Football Federation announced the punishments, "including lifetime bans for Malaysian-based defender Ramez Dayoub and Indonesian-based forward Mahmoud El-Ali," after a two-month investigation involving over 60 witnesses. An AFC spokesperson said, "We have received a report today and our disciplinary committee are looking into it." Dayoub, who along with Ali was fined $15,000, "denied the allegations." Dayoub: "I am not guilty. They have suspended me and accused me of matchfixing without any evidence or proof" (REUTERS, 2/27). The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has confirmed the worldwide extension of sanctions imposed on 74 players and officials; 70 by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and four the Korean FA. The FIGC informed FIFA that in the course of three different proceedings during '12, a number of 106 players and officials had been charged with match fixing, illegal betting or corrupt organization. Once all domestic processes were complete, the Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to extend those domestic suspensions and bans that have not yet expired and/or have not been annulled on appeal. This has resulted in the extension worldwide of 76 sanctions, of which 11 are life bans (FIFA).
