Although the exact games have not been identified, South Africa's 5-0 win over Guatemala and 2-1 win over Colombia in May 2010 have long been under suspicion. Three penalties were awarded in each match, mostly for handball, with a number of the decisions questionable.
The move by FIFA's ethics committee exposes a further breakdown in the relationship between the world body and its former World Cup host. South Africa sports minister Fikile Mbalula has criticized FIFA this week, accusing it of interfering in South Africa's business.
FIFA said on Friday it was authorized to investigate under its ethics code "if associations fail to prosecute potential breaches of that code."
Mbalula led the South African delegation that met with FIFA in April, when it was agreed that South Africa's government would set up an inquiry to look into the fixing. As part of the agreement, FIFA asked for Garcia to be included on the commission.
The inquiry is being handled by South African President Jacob Zuma but no progress has been announced in seven months and it appears the commission members to lead the investigation have not even been appointed.
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