Refereeing scandal latest

"This started as an independent investigation (focusing only on this match)," a UEFA official told Reuters on Wednesday. "It might now have some link to the German refereeing investigation."

Panionios beat the Georgian team 5-2 in Athens after trailing 1-0 at halftime and 2-1 early in the second half.

British betting companies noted unusually heavy betting on exactly such a scenario prompting the investigation.

While it was never officially closed, the investigation had showed little sign of progress since December.

"This investigation has been ongoing since the match. It was never considered shut," the UEFA official said.

In Germany's biggest soccer scandal in decades, referee Robert Hoyzer has confessed to fixing matches in the German Cup and lower leagues in return for money from gamblers and has said the ring also fixed matches in Austria and Greece.

The Greek FA has already asked the Germans for details regarding Hoyzer's testimony relating to alleged illegal betting and match-fixing activities in Greece.

"The president of the Federation has contacted the Germans to get details of what referee Robert Hoyzer said about Greece," a Greek FA official told Reuters on Wednesday.

The official said the FA was unaware of any illegal activities in domestic soccer or any people acting on behalf of the German gambling gang.

FA chief Vassilis Gagatsis said he was did not think the allegations would tarnish the image of the reigning European soccer champions. Greece is one of 10 countries to have bid to host the 2012 European championship.

"The person accusing someone must also carry the weight of proof," he said. "I am not concerned."

Sources in Athens said the UEFA inspector would arrive in early March and has already asked to question several Panionios players.

At the time the allegations first surfaced days after the match, both clubs denied any foul play. Neither Panionios nor Dinamo Tbilisi made it past the UEFA Cup group stage.