The Chinese World Cup squad has been accused of match fixing.
Reports yesterday in the Chinese press alleged that China deliberately lost their opening match against Costa Rica in exchange for money.
China played poorly against Costa Rica, losing 2-0. They also lost 4-0 to Brazil, and 3-0 to Turkey.
Chinese captain Fan Zhiyi has strenuously denied the allegations.
“These false reports have brought much stress to my family. It is very unethical to print unsubstantiated reports just to boost circulation” he said.
Fan is under contract with Dundee in Scotland, but is presently on loan to Chinese club Cosco Shanghai Zhongyuan. Several Premiership clubs are rumoured to be interested in signing him for next season.
Fan blamed China’s lack of experience and injuries for their disappointing World Cup showing, saying that the team would never stoop to match fixing.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I would never accept money to throw a match. I will never tarnish the country’s honour for any amount of money and the truth is I carried an injury into the Costa Rica match” said Fan.
