In a shocking development during Cambodia’s ASEAN Cup 2024 (AFF Cup) campaign, the investigation was announced just before the team’s match against Timor-Leste at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, scheduled for 5:45 PM on December 17.

According to Khmer Times, the Cambodian Football Federation (FFC) has officially opened an investigation into suspicions of match-fixing within the national team.

The controversy arose after Cambodia’s 1-2 loss to Singapore on December 11 in their second match of Group A at the ASEAN Cup 2024.

The Cambodian public raised concerns over unusual errors by young goalkeeper Vireak Dara, suspecting a possible link to match-fixing.

Following Cambodia’s impressive 2-2 draw against Malaysia, Dara’s costly mistakes were seen as the main reason for the team’s loss to Singapore.

Fans argued that without Dara’s errors, Cambodia could have secured a historic victory.

The defeat against Singapore dealt a significant blow to Cambodia’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals, despite their squad featuring several naturalized players.

The public backlash prompted Sao Sokha, President of the FFC, to take action and collaborate with relevant authorities to investigate the allegations.

President Sao Sokha stated: “For all honest officials and players in the team who are not involved in this matter, they have nothing to worry about regarding their integrity.”

Ngoc Huy