Claims FIFA colluded in match fixing at 2002 World Cup

The Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claims FIFA and Ecuadorian referee Byron Moreno were involved in match-fixing in the 2002 World Cup in favour of co-host country Korea Republic, which won a quarter-final after two of Spain's goals were rescinded.

Korea Republic's ecstatic players celebrate their shock win over Spain at 2002 FIFA World Cup (Bongarts) Source: Bongarts

In light of the arrest of seven FIFA officials over corruption charges on Wednesday in Zurich upon the request of the US judiciary, the newspaper argued that years earlier, FIFA wanted to ensure the host country's position in the tournament in a distinctive way.

The 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan witnessed the elimination of Spain against Korea Republic in a penalty shootout after Egyptian referee Gamal al-Gamal Ghandour overturned two goals scored by La Roja.

The incident was described by Spanish and international press as a "refereeing scandal" and they subsequently asked for a "cleansing" of the World Cup.

Corriere also highlighted the match between Italy and South Korea in the round of 16 which was refereed by Ecuadorian Byron Moreno, currently a sports commentator, who was accused by the newspaper to have curbed the Azzurri's campaign with a series of red cards, unseen fouls and cancelled goals.

The match ended in a 2-1 victory for the host.

Moreno, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison on drug charges in 2010, was described by the Italian newspaper as being part of "a scam" within the FIFA corruption scandal.