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Victor Anichebe reported match-fixing at his Beijing club to Fifa. Photo: Reuters

Beijing Enterprises brand Victor Anichebe a ‘liar’ over match-fixing allegations after striker reports Chinese club to Fifa

Ex-Everton man has not played since leaving the club in December but club say his accusations are because he breached his contract with them

The Chinese club at the heart of a match-fixing storm have moved to deny the charge, releasing a statement on their Sina Weibo on Monday.

Beijing Enterprise FC were accused by former player Victor Anichebe, 30, of rigging matches, in reports emanating from England early on Monday morning (Hong Kong time).

The reports suggested that Anichebe had reported his former club to Fifa after being told by coaches “not to try” and by teammates “This is China. We do as we’re told.”

Anichebe is in an unresolved contract dispute that dates back 12 months. The report of Fifa is an escalation after legal channels yielded no result.

Victor Anichebe has played for several clubs in England. Photo: Reuters

The League One club were swift to refute the allegations and posted a statement on their Sina Weibo account.

They categorically denied the charge, instead putting the focus back on the striker’s part in the contract dispute after he “refused to return to the club”.

“At present, the dispute between the two parties has been submitted to Fifa, and arbitration is in progress,” reads the statement.

The club say the match-fixing allegations are a “lie” made by Anichebe to cover his own breach of contract, expressing their anger at the striker and condemning his actions.

It goes on to add that Beijing Enterprises has “always resolutely opposed” match-fixing and manipulating results with a “zero tolerance” approach.

The club also added that it is always willing to co-operate with the Chinese Football Association, Asian Football Confederation and Fifa.

They also suggested that they might seek legal redress for Anichebe’s accusations.

Anichebe, who came through the Everton youth system and also played for West Bromwich Albion has been linked with a return to former club Sunderland.

He has not played since last December and missed out on what might have been his last opportunity to play at a World Cup with Nigeria in the summer.

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