A program aired by Flemish public broadcaster VRT on Sunday night claimed that at least seven matches had been fixed this season, six of which involved the Francophone club La Louviere.

The current affairs program, Panorama, identified 14 suspects in the case, including businessman Ye Zheyun from China's Taiwan and Pietro Allatta, the manager of Anderlecht club's goalkeeper Silvio Proto, as the main suspects.

After a special trip to China, the crew of Panorama made the documentary revealing new facts and names in the case currently under investigation of the Belgian judicial authorities.

The report said a manager of La Louviere, Chris Benoit, was closely involved in the scandal and club lawyer Laurent Denis was also complicit in the case.

The allegations drew anger from supporters of La Louviere and city mayor Willy Taminiaux, who demanded to know why the Wallonian club had been singled out on Monday.

The issue prompted club chairman Filippo Gaone to hurriedly meet with the team's players, stressing that he has full confidence in staff and players.

Club lawyer Laurent Denis said he would initiate legal proceedings against Panorama.

Benoit will also lodge a court complaint against broadcaster VRT and the anonymous witness quoted in the program.

The fraud case first raised the suspicion of the Belgian judicial authorities last year when it was found that excessively high bets had been placed on certain matches in the Belgian competition.

Later investigation has been focused on a Chinese businessman, Ye Zheyun, who allegedly bought stakes in several Belgian clubs to be able to manipulate the matches and place bets afterwards. Enditem