Malaysia bans coach, 18 players for match-fixing

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia’s football association has announced a lifetime ban against a coach and the suspension of 18 players accused of match-fixing in a domestic youth tournament.

The crackdown follows allegations that players from at least three teams took bribes totalling thousands of ringgit (dollars) during last year’s under-20 President’s Cup competition.

The Football Association of Malaysia said Saturday that 18 players were being suspended for up to five years. It is expected to reveal the names of the coach and players later this month.

Two coaches and a bookmaker were charged in court last year for match-fixing in connection to the President’s Cup. They face 20-year prison sentences and fines if convicted.