Romanian MEP's Match-Fixing Trial Suspended, File Sent To Constitutional Court

The lawyer of Steaua Bucuresti board vice-president Teia Sponte, also indicted in the case, known as the "Suitcase" file, on charges of accessory in offering bribe, told magistrates, during the hearings held Wednesday, the current Criminal Code, adopted in 1969, defines corruption deeds only in relation to people holding public office, which is not the case of the defendants.

According to the lawyer, in the new Criminal Code Romania adopted in 2009 and which has yet to come into force, the wrongdoings his client is currently accused of are no longer considered criminal offences, adding employees of 100% private companies are not criminally liable in bribery cases.

The High Court of Justice admitted the request addressed by the defense and ruled to suspend the case and forward the file to the Constitutional Court which will have to solve the exception of unconstitutionality.

In December 2008, Becali, who is now a MEP, was indicted in the "Suitcase" file on charges of bribery and false testimony.

Romanian prosecutors indicted five other persons in the file, including national football team coach Victor Piturca, who was accused of giving false testimony to cover up for Becali.

Becali is accused of offering EUR1.7 million to players and officials from rival team Universitatea Cluj to do their utmost to stop title contenders CFR Cluj in the last round of the season in May 2008.

CFR Cluj beat Universitatea 1-0 to take the title by one point from Steaua.

Becali repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

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