FIVE former and current members of the Nepal national football team have been arrested on suspicion they were involved in game-fixing, which includes a friendly game with the Philippine Azkals in 2011.
According to news reports from Nepal, arrests were made following efforts made the Asian Football Confederation and the Nepal police to investigate suspected incidences of game-fixing.
Among those arrested were team captain Sagar Thapa, Sandip Rai, Ritesh Thapa, Bikash Singh Chhetri and Anjan KC. They were allegedly involved in match-fixing since 2008.
According to investigators, former national coach Graham Roberts admitted there was match fixing during a friendly game with the Philippine Azkals in 2011.
The Azkals won their game against Nepal, 4-0, at the Rizal Football Stadium in Manila.
Robert told probers that he was informed by a bookie from Singapore that the match against the Philippines was fixed and his players are involved.
This was the reason why he replaced Sagar in the first 18 minutes.
The bookie, according to probers and Roberts, asked Nepal to concede four goals. They did.
Formal investigations in Nepal began Thursday.
On the other hand, the AFC will take disciplinary measures, according to a statement from AFC secretary general Windsor John.
John said the AFC has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards match-fixing.