Spanish Federation Wants Prosecutors To Probe Match-fixing Claims

The latest developments on the match fixing story that i posted yesterday is the Spanish football federation today asked prosecutors to investigate reports that players from second-division club Tenerife were bribed to lose a match to allow Malaga to be promoted to the top flight.

Meanwhile Sports Minister Jaime Lissaveztky declined to comment Wednesday, saying it was best to let judicial authorities decide first. Lissaveztky said the government and the Spanish league are working on a new law to help combat fraud in football. "We're determined to fight together against anything related to suspected corruption and which mars sporting values," he said.

With the story currently gripping Spain it would be easy for the players to get distracted but full back Gerardo spoke to the press this morning and announced "we are thinking Alicante, Alicante, Alicante - nothing more".

On the injury front there was good news as Xabi Castillo returned to training after being forced off at half-time during the Celta match. He should be fit for the weekends match and told the press "the point gained against Celta Vigo will be a good one if we win against Alicante, the way we get the victory is secondary at the moment whether it be a penaly or in the last minute, i do not care."