CSKA president admits paying incentives to other clubs

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-11-21 10:47

MOSCOW, Nov 20 - CSKA Moscow president Yevgeny Giner has admitted regularly paying incentives to other clubs so that they would play harder against his team's main rivals.

"I don't see anything bad in it," Giner was quoted as saying by the Sport-Express newspaper.

"Many people say that such thing is incorrect. I don't think so. More than that, I could openly say how much would pay and also tell tax authorities where I get the money from."

Although is not officially outlawed, the practice of paying out bonuses to other clubs has been deemed unethical and against the rules of fair play by both the world governing body FIFA and the ruling European organisation UEFA.

CSKA clinched their second consecutive league title over the weekend but their victory overshadowed by widespread allegations of match-fixing in Russian soccer this season.

The army club have been accused by their chief rivals of benefiting from favourable refereeing decisions and a conflict, having Giner also being the premier league's boss.

CSKA have denied any wrongdoing.

Giner said: "Someone might think that if CSKA paid money to a club, then next time that club would throw a game playing against us. But I don't see anything wrong with that (giving bonuses to other clubs)."

CSKA host Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Russians top Group G on eight points, a point ahead of both Arsenal and Porto.



Top Sports News  
Today's Top News  
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours