Liverpool’s Champions League group at centre of match-fixing probe

Liverpool’s Champions League opponents PSG and Red Star Belgrade find themselves embroiled in a match-fixing allegation.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are due to meet the Serbian champions in their next two Champions League fixtures over the next few weeks.

But Red Star will go into the matches with a huge cloud hanging over their future participation in the competition after The Guardian reported that their previous match – a 6-1 defeat to PSG – was facing a probe from the authorities.

French newspaper L’Equipe reportedly shortly afterwards that an official from Red Star attempted to bet €5million (£4.4m) on his side losing by five goals.

And confirming that an investigation had been launched, The Guardian report: “France’s financial prosecutor’s office confirmed an investigation had been opened but declined to comment on the report.”

Both clubs have vehemently denied any wrongdoing or involvement in the scandal with PSG already releasing a statement to “categorically reject any and all direct and indirect implication in relation to these suspicions”.

Red Star, meanwhile, also released a statement in which they demanded the truth be revealed “in as short a time as possible and that any doubt about the involvement of any member of our club in any possible disruptive actions must be removed”.

While the investigation is still in its infancy, any guilty verdict could cause serious outcomes on both the outcome of Liverpool’s group, which also contains Napoli, and either club’s long-term involvement in the competition.

Liverpool face Red Star at Anfield on October 24, before heading to Belgrade on November 6 – with Klopp’s side looking to claim a maximum of six points after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Napoli in their last game.

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