Corriere: FIFA Match-fixing at 2002 World Cup "Confirmed"

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Italian daily Corriere dello Sport ran a front page story on Friday regarding alleged match-fixing by Fifa at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. "Remember referee Moreno? Suspicions that he favoured [South] Korea in 2002 confirmed," said the headline.

During the 2002 tournament, both Spain and Italy were beaten by the joint-host nation. The Azzurri went out at the last 16 stage, losing 2-1 to South Korea in a game refereed by Ecuadorian Byron Moreno, whose officiating was controversial. Also under the microscope was the performance of Egyptian official Gamal Al-Ghandour, who oversaw Spain versus South Korea in the quarterfinals. The match ended 0-0 and South Korea went through 5-3 on penalties. During the match Al-Ghandour disallowed a valid goal by Fernando Morientes. Many years later, Al-Ghandour said during an interview that his refereeing of the match was "flawless."

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