Fifa launch investigation into claims England's World Cup 2018 qualifier with Slovakia was fixed
Slovakian defender Jan Durica made the comments after the defeat this month
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fifa have launched an investigation in Slovakia defender Jan Durica after he claimed their last-minute defeat to England this month was fixed by the referee.
Adam Lallana scored a 95th-minute winner in Sam Allardyce’s first game as Three Lions boss after Martin Skrtel saw red and Slovakia had to play the final 33 minutes with 10 men.
The former Liverpool defender was sent off after two challenges on Harry Kane, the first for an elbow and the second for a stamp.
But Durica believed it was an unfair dismissal and made the astonishing claims about the referee after the game.
“There is only one place at the World Cup. Why should Slovakia go there when we have England in the group?” he said.
“Of course, they will always prefer the stronger team. Probably, the referee exactly knew how to do it. Today we might have played more than England.”
And now Fifa have made contact with the Slovakian FA as they begin a preliminary investigation into the defender’s claims.
A FIFA spokesperson told the Daily Mail: “We can now confirm that a preliminary investigation has been opened in relation to the incident you mention.”
At present, they have only been asked to clarify Durica’s comments but it is likely that disciplinary action will be taken against the defender.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments