MX23RW : Thursday, January 16 08:40:13| >> :120:31106:31106:

Irish FA seeks legal advice over bribery allegations

The Football Association of Ireland seeks legal advice over claims that Republic of Ireland players were bribed not to tackle Lionel Messi.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is seeking legal advice over claims that Republic of Ireland players were bribed ahead of a 2010 friendly against Argentina.

Reports in Argentina have claimed that the Irish players were each paid $10,000 (£6,300) by Barcelona to go easy on their star player Lionel Messi, according to PA.

The match came at a time when the Irish FA was attempting to recoup financial losses following the nation's controversial World Cup playoff exit in France nine months earlier.

However, the FAI has dismissed the allegations as "baseless" and has consulted its legal representatives for advice about how to respond.

"The Football Association of Ireland completely refutes the allegations made about the Republic of Ireland vs. Argentina friendly match in La Nacion as baseless," said the governing body in a statement.

"The match in question was organised by Kentaro and announced by press release prior to the World Cup playoffs in 2009. We are consulting our legal advisers in relation to the article, and will be taking further steps."

The Irish lost the game 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Angel di Maria.

ID:230102: cacheID:230102:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2248:
Written by
Mark Langshaw
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Javier Mascherano of Argentina reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between Argentina and Belgium at Estadio Nacional on July 5, 2014
Read Next:
Preview: Argentina vs. Colombia
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico19135134122244
2Real Madrid19134243192443
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal198653431330
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad198471713428
8GironaGirona198472725228
9Rayo Vallecano196762222025
10Real BetisBetis196762123-225
11Osasuna196762328-525
12Celta Vigo197392830-224
13Sevilla196582128-723
14Las PalmasLas Palmas196492429-522
15Getafe194781316-319
16Leganes194781829-1119
17AlavesAlaves1945102131-1017
18Espanyol1944111731-1416
19Real ValladolidValladolid1943121337-2415
20Valencia1927101829-1113


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!