MADRID — Spanish clubs Espanyol and Osasuna have hit back at press reports they are under investigation for fixing a league match in May last year.
At separate press conferences late Tuesday both clubs denied wrongdoing.
Osasuna president Luis Sabalza said there is no evidence linking the club with match-fixing, adding that "Osasuna obtained no benefit whatsoever, the team was relegated."
Espanyol vice-president Rafael Entrena also rebutted the reports, saying his club "defends the purity and sporting nature of the game."
In December, authorities said Japan coach Javier Aguirre, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, Atletico Madrid captain Gabi and 38 others were named in an alleged case of match-fixing during a game in the 2010-11 season.