15 Feb 2011

International football matches under investigation

11:13 am on 15 February 2011

Latvia's football federation has joined Bolivia, Bulgaria and Estonia in asking FIFA and UEFA to investigate two friendly matches involving the four sides in Turkey last week in which all the goals scored were penalties.

Latvia beat Bolivia 2-1 and Estonia drew 2-2 with Bulgaria in friendlies held on February the 9th in the Turkish resort of Antalya.

Latvian Football Federation spokesman Martins Hartmanis says the federation had asked world football's ruling body FIFA to investigate whether the actions of the referee influenced the results.

There is also confusion over which referee took charge of the games.

FIFA said on Saturday they had launched a probe into the Bulgaria-Estonia match.

On Friday, Estonia FA spokesman Mihkel Uiboleht told local media that his organisation were told about "possible manipulation" ahead of the Bulgaria match.

The Bolivian Football Federation said on Monday it was cancelling friendlies against Finland and Bulgaria in Turkey next month.