Cambodian Goalkeeper Investigated for Match Fixing in 2024 AFF Cup

Phnom Penh, Beritasatu.com – Cambodian national team goalkeeper Vireak Dara is at the center of an investigation by the Cambodian Football Federation (FFC) regarding match fixing in the 2024 AFF Cup. This Cambodian goalkeeper was in the spotlight when his team lost 1-2 to Singapore.

In the away match against Singapore in the 2024 AFF Cup group A, on December 11, Vireak made two silly mistakes which led to two goals in just seven minutes.

In the ninth minute, the away team defender’s return pass made the 21 year old goalkeeper lose the ball so that striker Faris Ramli easily found the empty net. In the 16th minute striker Shawal Anuar took advantage of Vireak’s carelessness by firing a shot into an empty goal, and put Singapore in a 2-0 lead.

Teammates then tried to correct Vireak’s mistakes, but only scored one goal in the second half and lost 1-2. After the match, Cambodian fans reacted strongly to the home team’s goalkeeper, suspecting Vireak of fixing the 2024 AFF Cup score.

According to the newspaper Khmer Timesin response to negative doubts from fans, General Sao Sokha, the head of the Cambodian military police and also the president of the FFC decided to open an investigation to clarify the incident.

General Sokha advised other officials and players who were honest and not involved in the match-fixing incident not to worry about their integrity.

Vireak currently plays for Club Svay Rieng in the Cambodian League, having only started four matches for the team. The match against Singapore was the first time this 21 year old goalkeeper appeared in the 2024 AFF Cup. His basic mistakes made fans suspect him of fixing the 2024 AFF Cup score.

“I asked the FFC to examine and investigate goalkeeper Vireak for deliberately conceding two goals in a row. How many bank accounts does this person have personally? Has the account balance of this person or his relatives increased? Is this unusual? Singapore scored two such goals it’s 70 to 90% cheating,” one fan wrote on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Vireak’s teammates trust him and try to protect him. “The tournament is not over yet, the team still has two important matches left. Every player is fighting and wants to win for the home team. However, silly mistakes are things that often happen in football. I fully believe and support Vireak,” wrote teammate Nick. Taylor on her personal page.

After two matches, Cambodia now has one point and is in fourth place. Today, on Tuesday (17/12/2024), Cambodia will host Timor Leste at home, then host Thailand three days later.

Cambodia must win these two matches if they want to win a ticket to the semifinals. However, the target of winning the semifinals was overshadowed by the 2024 AFF Cup match fixing scandal.