Malaysia resists corrupt booters

Malaysia resists corrupt booters

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian police have moved to restrict the movements of 19 local footballers suspected of rigging matches in the national premier league, officials said yesterday.

Three soccer players have already been restricted to their home districts after police began a nationwide dragnet on football bookies and corrupt players four months ago. Officials said another 16 footballers were now on the list.

"We will make our recommendations to the government to restrict the movements of the 16 players soon and we hope to get a favorable reply," said Mohamed Said Awang, criminal investigations director for the Malaysian police.

Officials said the 19 players were among the 47 currently under arrest for alleged involvement in match-fixing.