TOKYO, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Three sumo wrestlers have admitted throwing bouts in another blow to the scandal-tainted sport, Japan's sports minister said.
Yoshiaki Takaki testified before a parliamentary committee on the Japan Sumo Association's report Thursday, The Asahi Shimbun reported.
The three are known professionally as Chiyohakuho, Kasuganishiki and Enatsukasa.
Under questioning by the association, Chiyohakuho named another wrestler, bringing to 14 the number suspected of fixing matches.
The wrestlers were exposed by e-mails in which they discussed how they would throw a contest, investigators said.
Another wrestler, Kiyoseumi, sent Kasuganishiki a message May 10 saying, "Hit me hard at the face-off," sources told Asahi. Kasuganishiki replied, "I will put up some resistance."
The next day's bout played out according to the plan.
On the final day of the May tournament, Kasuganishiki and Kiyoseumi discussed financial details and favors to be returned in coming tournaments.
Bank account numbers for money transfers were included, suggesting the scheme was considered an ordinary transaction.
The sumo association chairman has promised a strict crackdown, including expelling anyone involved in bout-fixing.
