Austrian police open match-fixing investigation

VIENNA, Apr 19 (Reuters) Austrian police have opened an investigation into two alleged attempts at match rigging involving the coach of first division Sturm Graz and one of the team's players.

Regional police chief for Styria province Josef Klamminger told a news conference today that coach Michael Petrovic and striker Bojan Filipovic were accused of accepting bribes related to two games in February and March.

Petrovic and Filipovic have denied any wrong-doing.

The two men are accused of taking money from a Germany-based gambling syndicate in return for trying to throw Sturm Graz's league matches against Salzburg and Austria Vienna.

Sturm Graz beat Salzburg 4-0 and held league leaders Austria to a 0-0 draw.

Filipovic scored one of the goals against Salzburg although Klamminger said he believed this had been ''a mistake'' and the police had evidence that the player had apologised for the goal.

Documents have been taken from two houses raided in relation to the investigation and police say they have put in a court request for access to the two men's bank accounts.

REUTERS AY KP1852