UEFA is to launch an investigation into the claim by Poland defender Jacek Bak that he was offered a bribe before Wednesday’s Euro 2008 Qualifying match against Belgium.
The European body said that it was gathering initial information following newspaper reports and declarations made by players in the wake of the match.
The Belgian Football Association (KBVB) had requested Uefa investigate Bak’s allegations which followed Poland’s 1-0 win in Group A.
“We ask UEFA to investigate this case thoroughly,” the KBVB said in a statement. “UEFA can do this, so we will send them the media prints and we trust that UEFA will bring clarity.”
Bak said he was offered 10,000 euros to concede a penalty during the match.
“Something strange happened before the start of the match. A person came to me and asked me to throw the match,” Bak said.
The 33-year-old has not spoken about the inicdent since his initial revelation, but he did speak with team captain Maciej Zurawski.
“Jacek told me about what had happened, but we couldn’t talk too much,” Zurawski said.
Poland coach Leo Beenhakker confirmed he was aware of the allegations.
“I heard on Wednesday afternoon that some idiot had called us,” he said. “I did not pay any attention to that at first. But we closed down the phone and we played the game. I think we did what was expected of us.”
