Prosecutors in Montpellier have indicted 17 people – including eight handball players – for alleged involvement in fixing a handball game, the Fédération Française de Handball (FFHB) confirmed on Friday 6 February. It is understood that prosecutors are investigating why a large amount of money (€80,000) was wagered on a May 2012 first division game, in which Cesson beat Montpellier 31-28.

It is understood that accused players include Nikola Karabatic (pictured), who led France to a record fifth world title in its defeat of Qatar in Doha on Sunday. Samuel Honrubia and Luka Karabatic, Nikola’s brother, are also understood to be amongst the accused. Others indicted include relatives and friends of the players.

The prosecutor will have three months to assess whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. A date for hearings has yet to be set.