Macedonia squad coach commented on recent rumours, suggesting Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan offered a monetary reward to the team in case of a win in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier vs. Armenia.

“I’ve worked in Turkey for 2 years, and haven’t been acquainted with either the PM or any other Turkish officials,” John Toshack told a news conference in Yerevan.

According to some media reports, Erdogan promised the reward during a private meeting with Macedonia parliament speaker Trajko Veljanoski. Experts believe that Erdogan’s interest in causing Armenia’s defeat is prompted by Turkey’s wish to avoid facing the squad in Euro 2012 play-off.

Armenia vs. Macedonia UEFA EURO 2012 Group B qualifier is due October 7, 8 p.m. Yerevan time at Vazgen Sargsyan stadium. Armenia is placed 3rd in Group B with 14 points; Macedonia is 5th with 7 points. The first march between the teams ended in a 2:2 draw.