After 2-1 loss to S'pore, Cambodia looking into football match-fixing accusations in Asean Championship

Cambodia is looking into allegations of possible football match-fixing following the national team's loss to Singapore at the 2024 Asean Championship, the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) announced on Dec. 14 via Facebook.

General Sao Sokha, who is president of the FFC, said:

"In light of the incident that occurred and appears to be unusual for the previous matches, the Cambodia Football Federation, in cooperation with the authorities, launched an investigation into the case to clear any suspicions.

To all the officials and players who are honest and uninvolved, there is nothing to worry about with their integrity."

Singapore beat Cambodia 2-1 during the group stage of the 2024 Asean Football Championship tournament on Dec. 11, 2024.

The match, which took place on home ground at the Singapore national stadium, was played in front of a roaring crowd of 12,391 spectators.

Singapore's two goals were courtesy of Faris Ramli in the 9th minute and Shawal Anuar in the 16th minute.

Meanwhile, Cambodia's only goal was scored by Sieng Chanthea in the 59th minute.

Cambodian goalkeeper under scrutiny

According to The Khmer Times, some Cambodian football fans have accused Cambodian goalkeeper Vireak Dara of match-fixing.

The allegations concern blunders made by Dara that led to the two goals scored by the Lions.

Eight minutes into the game, Cambodian defender Nick Taylor tried to pass the ball to Dara, who then tried to make a back pass and clear the ball out of the box.

However, Dara appeared to have blundered, allowing Faris to seize the ball and score early in the game.

Dara made another mistake in the 16th minute of the match with his intention to pass the ball to Cambodian defender Ose Takaki.

However, Dara’s kickball to defender Takaki was too slow, allowing Shawal to intercept the pass and score Singapore's second goal.

Teammate denies allegations, stands by Dara

In a Facebook post made on Dec. 12, Taylor defended his teammate Dara against the allegations:

"Also, if there's any idea about match-fixing, it is completely wrong. Every single player fights and wants to win for their country and mistakes in football are normal. I trust and support Dara 1000%."

Mothership has reached out to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for comment.

Top photo from Nick Taylor/Facebook.