French handball champion accused of match-fixing

PARIS (AP) - French handball champion Montpellier has been accused of match-fixing after French media reported several players - including members of France's Olympic-winning team - intentionally lost a match their relatives bet on.

The team president defended his club's ethical standards today against the accusations.

Montpellier, on track to win the national championship, lost its May 12 match against Cesson-Rennes 31-28. France-3 television reported yesterday that wives, girlfriends and other people close to the players bet against Montpellier at sites around France.

The TV report said eight Montpellier players were suspected of involvement, including members of France's gold medal-winning team from the London Olympics. Newspaper L'Equipe said team managers were questioned over the summer as part of a judicial inquiry.