Theft probe hits Russian football ahead of World Cup

AFP  |  Moscow 

Russia's preparations have been hit by an embezzlement probe involving the tournament's Alexei

believe at least 1.6 million euros ($2 million) were transferred from the club to shell companies linked to former

The money was paid under suspicious contracts signed by Smertin, who is also the team's

serves as the World Cup's and is the go-to in cases of or fan abuse.

The 42-year-old was the in 2004-05 and joined Dynamo's management in 2013.

RBK said Smertin's signature also appeared on other dubious financial records unearthed during an audit.

The daily had previously quoted a source at saying himself was not suspected of benefiting from the scheme.

"is not being accused of unscrupulousness", the source said.

"At the same time, a number of executives believe that he could have approached the documents he was signing more judiciously." told RBK that "was firmly told to sign" the contracts by the former

Neither nor organising committee in immediately responded to requests for comment.

is responsible for raising awareness about racism in Russian football and trying to clean up the domestic game ahead of the June 14-July 15

It is a high-profile role on which world governing body is placing special emphasis because of racial abuse at Russian matches in the past months.

has opened disciplinary proceedings against over ape noises heard during a warmup against in Saint Petersburg in March.

And Russian football chiefs this week will study similar chanting directed at Cape Verdean midfielder during a domestic cup semi-final in

are a storied club that was backed by the secret police in the Soviet era but has had financial difficulties in more recent years.

They were relegated to Russia's second division in 2016 and underwent a management overhaul at the start of this year.

reported that was on the verge of being ousted from the club when the fraudulent contracts first came to light in April.

RBK said signed two contracts now being investigated by police. The first was a for a sum of 1.3 million euros that changed hands during a transfer.

A second payment of 300,000 euros went to a firm purportedly hired to study players in that could sign.

Both companies allegedly belonged to former Muravyov.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sun, April 22 2018. 19:55 IST