Nigeria champions, Plateau United is reportedly under Confederation of African Football (CAF) investigation following an alleged attempt to fix CAF Confederations Cup first leg match against USM Alger of Algeria.
South African tabloid, TimesLive, on Tuesday reported that referee Victor Gomes allegedly was approached to fix the result of the match by Nigerian side Plateau United but rebuffed the advances.
According to the report, Gomez was said to have reported the matter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Although the report did not say who were the parties involved in trying to initiate the fix‚ but claimed the incident remains a closely guarded secret while the matter is under investigation by CAF.
“Gomes and his assistants Johannes Moshidi, Athenkosi Ndongeni and Thando Ndzandzeka‚ who acted as the fourth official were allegedly approached before the game on Saturday with an offer of US$30‚000 to fix the result‚ but immediately turned down the approach and reported the matter to CAF,” according to TimesLive.
But the Media Officer of Plateau United, Albert Dakup, dismissed the report as a distraction aimed at tarnishing the image of the club.
“We are surprised at the development. It is a distraction and you can rule out the handiwork of some disgruntled elements who are bent on destroying the club.
He disclosed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been in touch with the General Manager of Plateau United, Mr. Pius Henwan on the reports.
“Our GM received a call from the NFF intimating him about the rumour. He had expressed shock and surprised at such foolish and unfounded report. We are not worried about it because we can stand and defend the integrity of our club any time any day. In any case, we are yet to hear any word from CAF on such matter. And anybody with evidence of our involvement in any such act should come with it. We are only worried about our integrity and not the ugly rumour,” he said.
Plateau United won the game 2-1 in Lagos and the reverse leg comes up on April 17 in Algiers.
