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Malta goalkeeper reveals warning on suspicious bets in England’s World Cup group

Malta's goalkeeper Andrew Hogg played against England recently
Image: Malta's goalkeeper Andrew Hogg played against England recently

Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg has claimed a FIFA official visited their dressing room before a World Cup qualifier earlier this month to inform them of suspicious betting patterns.

The minnows, who are in England and Scotland's group, played Lithuania in Vilnius on October 11, losing the game 2-0 to two late goals.

Hogg said the Malta team were warned beforehand that an unusually large number of bets had been placed on the game - reported to be on Malta being defeated by two goals or more.

Sky Sports News HQ understand the Football Association are examining the claims. 

The English and Scottish FA's are due to meet FIFA this week in London at a routine meeting of football' lawmakers and there is an expectation they will ask world football's governing body for an update on the situation.

Hogg told The Sun on Sunday: "It was strange and felt very uncomfortable as if we were being accused of cheating.

England's Jesse Lingard has an effort saved by Hogg
Image: England's Jesse Lingard has an effort saved by Hogg

"I knew I'd done absolutely nothing wrong and had no idea what they were talking about.

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"In the event, there was nothing I could do about the goals. I made three or four good saves which show I was doing my best.

"I have absolutely nothing to hide."

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Malta fell behind to a 76th-minute Fiodor Cernych goal before Arvydas Novikovas converted a penalty moments after Malta defender Jonathan Caruana was sent off by referee Jesus Gil Manzano in the 82nd minute.

FIFA is reported to have begun an investigation into the matter. No player or official is accused of any wrongdoing.

"If you sit down and think about it you can see why people would be suspicious and it is a sad situation," Hogg added.

Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg (R) says Manchester City's reasoning for loaning out Joe Hart 'makes sense'
Image: Hogg has claimed a FIFA official visited the Malta dressing room

"But this could really mess up the group because no one knows what might happen next."

England top Group F with Malta at the foot of the table without a point from their opening three games.

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