Russian FA to probe match fixing allegations

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Russian FA is to investigate match-fixing allegations made by the coach of third division FK Volochanin, it said Monday.

The Russian Football Union (RFS) said on its website (www.rfs.ru) that Vladimir Kosogov had told local media a number of games, also involving the second and first divisions, had been rigged.

Media reports of widespread match-fixing and corruption have been rife in Russia for years but rarely has anyone been convicted or brought to trial.

Only one team, second division Iriston Vladikavkaz, has been found guilty of attempted match-fixing.

Iriston were thrown out of the league in 1997 but later reinstated in a lower division.

(Reporting by Gennady Fyodorov; editing by Tony Jimenez)