Coach praises team embroiled in match-fix row

Montpellier’s Michael Guigou competes in May 2012. The coach of French handball giants Montpellier, who have been rocked by allegations of match-fixing, insisted he had no fears over his team’s performance in their first outing since the scandal broke.

FLENSBURG, Germany - The coach of French handball giants Montpellier, who have been rocked by allegations of match-fixing, insisted he had no fears over his team’s performance in their first outing since the scandal broke.

Montpellier drew 37-37 with Flensburg on Thursday although tougher questions may await when they play their next match in Paris on Sunday in front of French fans.

“I am satisfied with the behaviour of the team and the result,” said Patrice Canayer.

When asked if the players had left their worries behind them in the dressing rooms, the coach added: “I don’t know but I do know that they did not leave their handball in the dressing room.”

“Now we will think about playing Paris when we get there on Friday if you leave us alone to prepare.”

French handball had been thrown into turmoil Wednesday after a corruption investigation was ramped up into Montpellier.

The south coast club has dominated French handball for the last 15 years and officials were quick to protest the innocence of their players, many of whom starred for the France team that won Olympic gold in the London Games.