POLICE are investigating after allegations that former Pompey defender Sam Sodje got sent off in return for money.

An undercover investigation by a national newspaper alleges Nigerian international Sodje, 34, was handed £70,000 by a betting cartel to get sent off during the match with Oldham on February 23.

He was dismissed after a linesman saw him punch an Oldham player twice in the groin.

Oldham won the match 1-0.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) last night confirmed it was examining claims passed to it by the newspaper.

The newspaper said an undercover investigator met the player, who said he could arrange for footballers in the Championship to get themselves a yellow card in return for five-figure sums.

He also claimed he could rig Premier League games and even said he was preparing to fix matches at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

In a statement the NCA said: “The NCA can confirm that the Sun on Sunday has passed material from its own investigation to the National Crime Agency.

“An active NCA investigation is now under way and we are working closely with the Football Association and the Gambling Commission. We cannot comment further at this stage.”

The NCA is already carrying out a separate investigation into an alleged international illegal betting syndicate.