Life ban for coach involved in match-fixing

August 21, 2007

Man Utd have had their worst start in 15 years, click here to see how this has changed the Premiership betting odds.

The Belgian football federation has banned a former top-flight coach for life and relegated his former club to third-division next year for their part in a match-fixing scandal.

The federation's disciplinary panel banned former Lierse coach Paul Put from holding any job in Belgian football. The federation said it may ask international federations to extend the ban abroad.

Authorities said Lierse players were paid to throw matches in the 2004-2005 season, generating betting gains on Belgian football in China. Put still faces criminal charges.

Lierse, now a second-division club, were relegated to the third division next season, penalized six points and fined at least $20,000.

Man Utd have had their worst start in 15 years, click here to see how this has changed the Premiership betting odds.