Bucharest - Romania's anti-corruption prosecutors' office (DNA) arrested football referees and the owner of first division side FC Arges on suspicion of bribery, the Mediafax news agency reported Monday. Cornel Penescu and four referees who allegedly took bribes totalling 125,000 euros (165,000 dollars) to ensure league matches which they officiated over ended in wins for Arges, were held for 24 hours. Arges currently lie 10th in the Romanian league.

Officers also searched rooms belonging to the Romanian football federation FRF, with organization president Mircea Sandu calling the situation "uncomfortable".

Sandu denied the FRF had any involvement in bribery and said the four referees had since been released.

"Whoever tries to link me to this scandal, I say that only a general meeting of the FRF can remove me," he said.

Romanian media has been complaining of corruption in the country's football league for years.

George Becali, sponsor of record champions Steaua Bucharest, has already had to appear in court over bribery when it was claimed he offered 1.7 million euros to ensure Steau won an important championship match. (dpa)