FIFA has extended the match-fixing sanctions on 41 players in South Korea to worldwide life bans.

The scandal goes back to 2011 when more than 50 players and coaches in the K-League were indicted for accepting money to fix matches.

Forty-one players received life bans from the K-League and the Korea Football Association.

FIFA said Wednesday that its disciplinary committee extended the sanctions so they take effect worldwide.

However, FIFA said it would offer 21 players who admitted involvement in the scandal a chance to return to soccer.

Those players must go through a probation period of between two and five years, including community service ranging from 200 to 500 hours. Reinstatement after the probation would be up to the Korea Football Association.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)