Madagascar authorities said Wednesday they have issued an arrest warrant for the head of the national football federation, Raoul Arizaka Rabekoto, in a corruption probe. Arizaka Rabekoto did not comply with a summons last week by the Indian Ocean country's corruption watchdog Bianco, the body said in a statement. Elected to head the federation six months ago, Arizaka Rabekoto is suspected of embezzling several hundred thousand dollars in his former position as head of Madagascar's national pension fund CNAPS. "Persistent rumours have circulated of a possible flight by Raoul Arizaka Rabekoto, which is why Bianco decided to issue a search notice," the statement said. Arizaka Rabekoto was barred from leaving Madagascar's main island, Grande Ile, on February 3. Several suspected accomplices have already been questioned, the statement said. Arizaka Rabekoto snagged the prestigious Malagasy Football Federation presidency over President Andry Rajoelina's preferred candidate, Hery Rasoamaromaka. tm/pa/stb/gd /pvh