FIFA investigates Zambia for match-fixing

FIFA is investigating Zambian officials over allegations they allowed eight players banned for match-fixing in a notorious case in Finland to return to football without permission, AP reported. FIFA said Friday it opened a disciplinary case and invited the Football Association of Zambia to provide an explanation 'together with any documentary evidence it might deem appropriate.' 'The players were all suspended by the Finland Football Association for match-fixing offenses and these sanctions were extended as to have worldwide effect by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee,' football's world governing body said in a statement. FIFA said it believes at least four of the players - who were not identified - appeared in official matches in Zambia. In 2011, nine Zambian players received suspended sentences of at least six months from courts in Finland. SPA