Bookies may target Asian Cup

Kuala Lumpur - Asian football supremo Peter Velappan fears illegal bookmakers may target the region's showpiece tournament, the Asian Cup, after making a killing on Euro 2004.

The Asian Cup -- Asia's equivalent of the European Championships or the Copa America -- kicks off in China on July 17 with the continent's top 16 teams taking part.

But Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general-secretary Velappan said Wednesday he was concerned that the prestigious tournament may be targeted by betting syndicates believed to have pocketed millions on Euro 2004.

Velappan decried the widespread illegal gambling on football across Asia, saying criminal gangs always managed to stay one step ahead of authorities trying to halt the problem.

 -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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