LISBON — Portugal's Prosecutor General's office is investigating Brazil's national soccer coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for alleged tax evasion while he coached the Portuguese squad, and has requested help abroad, including in the United States, officials said. The investigation adds to a list of World Cup host Brazil's concerns before the tournament kicks off in 12 Brazilian cities next month. Preparations have been plagued by social unrest and delays in delivering sports venues and infrastructure projects. “We confirm that Luiz Felipe Scolari was named an arguido (suspect) within an investigation being conducted ... The inquiry is investigating facts that occurred between 2003 and 2008 and are related to possible breach of tax regulations,” the prosecutor's office said Wednesday. Scolari, known as Felipao, or Big Phil, earlier denied the allegations after the first media reports and said he paid all the required taxes while he worked in Portugal. He urged the relevant officials “to investigate all the facts.” Under Portuguese law the status of “arguido,” or formal suspect, differs from the suspect status in other legal systems as it gives the person certain legal advantages in being questioned and does not per se involve a formal accusation. The prosecutor's office said the Portuguese legal authorities had requested cooperation of their counterparts in the Netherlands, Britain, the United States and Brazil. According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo the investigation targets some 7 million euros of income allegedly unreported by Scolari and deposited in offshore accounts. Scolari, who won the World Cup as coach for Brazil in 2002, hopes to repeat the feat this year with his home country as the host. The tournament kicks off June 12. Under Scolari, Portugal reached the final of Euro 2004 — which was among the country's top soccer achievements. Japan holds Australia In Ho Chi Minh City, world champion Japan scored two late goals against defending champion Australia to grab a 2-2 draw in a pulsating start at the Women's Asian Cup Wednesday. Goals by Caitlin Foord and Lisa De Vanna either side of half-time put Australia 2-0 up and seemingly on course for a famous win against the 2012 Olympic silver medalist. But Japan hit back through Nahomi Kawasumi on 69 minutes and with seven minutes remaining, Yuki Ogimi grabbed a crucial equalizer to leave it honors even in Ho Chi Minh City. Japan is looking for its first Asian Cup win, while 2010 champion Australia is coming off a turbulent period in which coach Hesterine de Reus left following a reported player revolt. Earlier, host Vietnam beat Jordan 3-1 to take the early lead in Group A. Eight-time winner China will take on Thailand, and South Korea will face Myanmar in Group B Thursday. — Agencies
