UEFA targets Metalist in match-fixing probe

NYON, Switzerland - UEFA opened urgent disciplinary action Tuesday against Champions League contender Metalist Kharkiv after its sports director was implicated in a 2008 match-fixing case.

“Due to the urgency of the case .?.?. (it) has been referred directly to the UEFA Appeals Body,” which will hold a hearing on Tuesday, UEFA said in a statement.

Metalist hosts Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki in the second leg of the Champions League’s third qualifying round Wednesday and is favored to advance to the playoff round. Metalist won, 2-0, in Greece last week.

The playoff round draw is Friday and Metalist’s UEFA ranking means potential opponents include Arsenal or AC Milan, with first-leg matches scheduled for Aug. 20-21.

However, Champions League regulations state that UEFA should bar clubs involved in match-fixing since April 2007. AP