ZURICH: FIFA has wrapped up its investigation into claims of matchfixing in Ghana with GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi apparently cleared of any substantive allegations writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

The inquiry by the ethics department of the world federation followed reports by The Daily Telegraph and Channel Four TV.

An investigation reported that Nyantakyi had “agreed for the national team to play in international matches that others were prepared to fix.”

Ghana FA officials had confirmed that attempts had been made to arrange a meeting with Nyantayi but insisted that nothing had been signed. There was no link to Ghana’s matches at the subsequent World Cup finals.

A FIFA statement said that material provided by the media had been reviewed and the case had been referred now to the GFA for further action, if any.

FIFA said: “The preliminary investigation, conducted in accordance with art. 62 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, included a request for documents and information from the relevant parties.

“Based on an analysis of the material, which included the limited portion of the footage made available by the relevant media outlets, and pursuant to the relevant rules established by the FIFA Code of Ethics, the investigatory chamber has decided to refer the matter to the Ghana FA.

“In light of the seriousness of the allegations, the investigatory chamber will continue to monitor the investigations, and any future proceedings conducted by the competent bodies of the Ghana FA, and reserves its right to revisit its position on this matter at any time.”

Presumably, FIFA would have dealt with the matter itself if Nyantakyi had been considered at fault. He has been reported by Ghanaian media as saying he intends to sue the Daily Telegraph.

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