The Football Association today confirmed its match-fixing investigation is centred upon the Norwich City versus Derby County match.Until now the FA has refused to confirm that the game, which was played on October 4 and which Norwich lost 2-1, was the one at the centre of its investigation into match-fixing.

The Football Association today confirmed its match-fixing investigation is centred upon the Norwich City versus Derby County match.

Until now the FA has refused to confirm that the game, which was played on October 4 and which Norwich lost 2-1, was the one at the centre of its investigation into match-fixing.

However, as revealed by the Evening News, Norwich North MP Dr Ian Gibson and North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb, yesterday issued questions in parliament in the hope of getting more information.

Today, an FA spokesman confirmed this was the game they were investigating and said: “We are investigating the reports about this game but we have no further comment to make at this stage.”

The spokesman said a further statement was due to be issued this afternoon.

Meanwhile, The Guardian newspaper has reported that the FA will enforce the legal requirement for bookmakers to assist in its match-fixing inquiries.

The bookmaker Spreadex noted suspicious betting patterns during the match. Punters in the far east are believed to have placed a flood of money during half-time.

The newspaper said the Gambling Act makes provision for all sports governing bodies to demand the assistance of bookmakers when investigating threats to their competitions' integrity. The FA, which has confirmed that Norwich-Derby is under suspicion, will now call on that legislation to widen its inquiries to other layers, it is reported.

According to the paper, as they press ahead with inquiries FA compliance officers will ask for cooperation from Betfair, which holds an information-sharing agreement with Soho Square, high-street bookies through the Association of British Bookmakers and the online layers' association. However it is not releasing details of its ongoing investigation.