Soccer-Top Slovak official charged with taking bribe

...Vladimir Wanke with taking a bribe, an allegation the soccer chief strongly denied.

Police said the 61-year old Wanke has been charged with allegedly receiving 10,000 crowns ($380) from the owner of the Eldus Mocenok soccer club in a player registration deal.

The state prosecutor must now decide whether or not to follow through on the case, but if found guilty, Wanke could be jailed for three to eight years, police said.

"Based on the acquired evidence and knowledge, a charge of receiving a bribe was brought against (Wanke)," Police Presidium spokesman Viktor Plezel said.

Wanke, who is free pending further developments, held a news conference where he vehemently denied the charges.

"The information and findings are clearly not based on truth," Wanke said. "It is necessary, from my point of view, not just to clear my name but also the name of the Slovakia Football Association." ((Writing by Martin Santa; editing by Dave Thompson, London Sports Desk; RM: dave.thompson.reuters.com@reuters.net; + 44 207 542 7933))

Keywords: SOCCER EUROPE/SLOVAKIA BRIBE