ZURICH: FIFA has confirmed the worldwide extension of sine die bans on 41 South Korean players involved in a domestic match-fixing investigation from 2011 writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

All had been suspended previously by the K-League and the Korea Football Association’s disciplinary committees.

However, 21 players who owned up to involvement during a voluntary ‘amnesty’ period, expressing regret at their involvement, may apply for a review of their suspensions after a probation period of between two and five years. This includes carrying out periods of community service ranging from 200 to 500 hours.

A statement from the world federation, explaining the probation potential, said: “The probation is voluntary, which means that the respective player has to inform the K-League that he wishes to return to football. At this point, the player then has to commit himself to one of a variety of community services related to football.

“These services include the provision of coaching classes for local football clubs for youth and adult players; involvement in and support of football for those with disabilities; and the support of ongoing and future domestic anti-match-fixing activities.

“Players who are subject to voluntary probation may produce monthly reports on their respective community service activities, accompanied by documentary evidence of their activity (written, photographic or video). The reinstatement of the respective player in football after the probation period will only be decided by the Korea Football Association (KFA).”

Last June suspensions imposed by the K-League and the KFA on 10 other players involved in match-fixing were extended worldwide by FIFA.

# # # #