Soccer: Referee incensed at corruption accusation

Byron Moreno, the referee who found himself at the centre of the storm of criticism following Italy's exit, has hit out angrily after being accused of corruption.

"If they [the Italians] speak about corruption, it must be because they are accustomed to practising it," the Ecuadorean official told the Chilean La Tercera newspaper.

"My conscience is clear. Today I was informed that they had proof that I was paid by the Korean football federation," Moreno said.

"This is a very serious allegation and they should prove it. Otherwise, they will have problems - not only with me but also with the Korean federation."

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

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