Fifa closes case on Algeria-Austria match-fixing claims

Fifa has decided not to open an investigation into allegations that the World Cup group match between Austria and Algeria was fixed, despite suspicions that the result was prearranged to benefit both teams.

According to reports, the two sides were accused of agreeing to share the points in their final group fixture to secure qualification together for the round of 16.

The lively encounter ended 3-3, with Austria equalising in the 96th minute just three minutes after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria ahead.

That goal, which came after a five-minute move featuring 110 consecutive passes, could have eliminated Austria and sent them home.

The already tense atmosphere nearly boiled over when Marco Arnautović was seen angrily gesturing towards the Algerian bench.

In the end, Ralf Rangnick’s side finished second in the group, while Algeria took third place and also advanced to the next round.

Some observers speculated that the result had been arranged, with Algeria allowing their opponents to equalise in the dying seconds. But Fifa has firmly rejected these claims and expressed no concern about match manipulation.

Rangnick himself dismissed the idea, although Mahrez did little to quell the growing speculation by admitting that the final scenario appeared strange and suspicious.

Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City star, said: “It was a bit weird, to be honest. We were playing out wide and they were dropping back, but in the last minute one of them played a pass, turned around, and I had to react. I have to respect the game. The ball came to the front of the keeper and I should have scored — I have to try to score. I know the situation looks strange, but that’s football and I have to respect it. For Austria, the main thing is that they scored and secured their ticket. We both went through, and that’s what counts.”

Austria now face a tough knockout match against European champions Spain. If they pull off a surprise, they could then meet Portugal or Croatia.

Algeria will take on Switzerland, and could potentially face Argentina in the quarter-finals if both teams maintain their momentum.