Cambodia’s FFC launches match-fixing probe after controversial loss to Singapore in ASEAN Championship

CAMBODIA: Three days after a 2-1 defeat to Singapore in the ASEAN Championship, the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) announced it had launched an investigation to address suspicions surrounding the match.

In a Facebook post on 14 December, the FFC stated that the probe was initiated “in light of the incident that occurred and appears to be unusual for the previous matches.”

During a meeting with Cambodian National Football Team players and coaching staff on Saturday, FFC President General Sao Sokha, who is also the National Military Police Chief, confirmed the collaboration with relevant authorities.

“For all officials and players who are honest and not involved, there is nothing to worry about their integrity,” he stated, emphasising that the investigation aimed to clear up confusion.

The FFC did not specify the match or individuals under scrutiny.

However, according to the Khmer Times, the investigation followed fan speculation about possible match-fixing.

The controversy centres on Cambodian goalkeeper Vireak Dara, who faced accusations of match-fixing after making two critical errors during the game.

Fans alleged that Dara’s blunders cost Cambodia the match, preventing the team from securing three points.

In the first half of the game, Dara mishandled a pass from defender Nick Taylor just eight minutes in, allowing Singapore’s attacker Muhammad Faris to score.

Six minutes later, another error led to Singapore forward Muhammad Shawal intercepting a misplaced pass and scoring again.

The mistakes prompted an outcry from Cambodian fans, urging the FFC to investigate whether Dara’s actions were intentional.

However, not all supporters criticised the goalkeeper. Several teammates defended him, dismissing the match-fixing allegations.

Nick Taylor, a winger on the Cambodian National Team, voiced his support for Dara in a Facebook post:

“If there is any idea about match-fixing, it is completely wrong, ” he wrote.

“Every single player fights and wants to win for their country, and mistakes in football are normal. I trust and support Dara 1000%.”

The investigation is ongoing, with Cambodian football authorities vowing to address the concerns raised by fans.