BUCHAREST, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Steaua Bucharest's biggest shareholder has been suspended and fined for making allegations that a linesman had been bribed in a league match, a spokesman for the Romanian Soccer Federation (FRF) said on Friday.
Gigi Becali, a controversial figure who punched a journalist
in Dinamo Bucharest's car park last week, had accused a referee
of taking £3000 to favour league leaders Rapid Bucharest in an
away game which Steaua lost 3-0.
The linesman disallowed a Steaua goal for offside when Rapid
led 1-0 although video footage showed the goal appeared valid.
FRF investigations revealed Becali's accusations had no
basis and he was fined about £1000 and suspended for six
months.
Earlier this month, European soccer's governing body UEFA
ordered an inquiry into the case, prompting the FRF to announce
that a fine of at least £3000 would be imposed on any official
accusing another of taking bribes without evidence.
Becali, who will not be able to represent his club in
official dealings with the FRF and the local league, said he was
unaffected by the FRF's decision.
'I have no executive role at Steaua, so it's not important
for me if I have relations with the FRF or not,' he said, adding
he would pay the fine.
- NEWS