Turkish football federation launches match-fixing probe

ISTANBUL, July 24 (Reuters) Turkey's Football Federation was set today to appoint former chairman Levent Bicacki to lead an investigation into match-fixing allegations in the domestic football league.

According to media reports, Denizlispor officials are alleged to have offered to pay three Malatyaspor players to throw a game with Gaziantepspor to help Denizlispor avoid relegation on the last day of the season.

Malatyaspor lost the game 1-0 and were relegated as a result.

Denizlispor, which has rejected the claims, ended the season 15th and avoided relegation.

''Former chairman Bicakci... known for his independent and trustworthy character... will be asked to head the investigative commission,'' the federation said in a statement.

Denizli prosecutor Selami Hatipoglu had already announced at the weekend that he had decided to open a judicial investigation on the basis of press reports.

''It will investigate whether there was match fixing or threats or payments made. After the probe a decision will be made on whether legal action needs to be taken,'' media reports quoted Hatipoglu as saying.

REUTERS AY BD1639