UEFA set to probe Bak's bribery claims

UEFA is set to launch an investigation into claims by Poland defender Jacek Bak that he was offered a bribe before the Euro 2008 Qualifying match against Belgium on Wednesday.

The Belgian Football Association (KBVB) have demanded Europe’s governing body investigate Bak’s allegations which followed Poland’s 1-0 win in Group A.

Radoslaw Matusiak capitalised on a mistake by Bayern Munich’s Daniel Van Buyten to score the solitary goal in the 19th minute.

A statement from the KBVB said: “We ask UEFA to investigate this case thoroughly. UEFA can do this, so we will send them the media prints and we trust that UEFA will bring clarity.”

According to Dziennik newspaper, Bak, a former Lyon defender, has said he was offered €10,000 to concede a penalty during the match.

“Something strange happened before the start of the match. A person came to me and asked me to throw the match,” said Bak.

The 33-year-old, who plays for Al-Rayyan Doha in Qatar, refused to reveal details of the proposal, but Poland captain Maciej Zurawski added: “Jacek told me about what had happened, but we couldn’t talk too much.”

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard told the Belgian radio station RTBF: “We wait for proof by Bak or other witnesses.”

Poland coach Leo Beenhakker, who’s side moved to third in Group A following the win at the Roi Baudouin revealed he was aware of the allegations.

“I heard on Wednesday afternoon that some idiot had called us,” he said. “I did not pay any attention to that at first. But we closed down the phone and we played the game. I think we did what was expected of us.”

Former Poland international goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski believes the corruption attempt could amount to “the biggest scandal in European football in recent years".

“If this attempt of corruption really took place and Jacek Bak can prove it, he will be considered a hero,” said Tomaszewski.