Japan coach Javier Aguirre denies Spanish match-fixing charges

Embattled Japan coach Javier Aguirre vehemently protested his innocence over match-fixing charges that have been levelled at him in Spain.

Speaking for the first time since Spanish prosecutors named him among 41 individuals on December 15 in the alleged rigging of a La Liga game in 2011, the 56-year-old said: "I worked in Spain for 12 years and have never done anything unethical or unprofessional.

"I believe Spanish soccer is fair and clean. The only way to win matches is through effort. I have never been given gifts by anybody and never expected them. I will co-operate with prosecutors and defend myself until the end."

Aguirre was manager of Real Zaragoza when the team beat Levante 2-1 away at the end of the 2011 season and as a result avoided relegation to the second tier. He could be asked to appear in Spain if the complaint is accepted by a Valencia court and a full-scale investigation is opened.

"I have coached over 450 matches in Spain and this is just one match and I happened to be there. I hope this becomes clearer over time and the situation will be calm. I am as surprised about this as everyone."

Asked what he would do if the case is accepted by the court and preliminary hearings start in January, he said: "My lawyer has told me that I would be called at a time when it would not affect my job.

"While the Asian Cup is going on I will be thinking about nothing except winning the championship. I will not waste a minute thinking about anything else."