Cambodian goalkeeper suspected of match-fixing in ASEAN Cup

In the second-round match of Group A on Dec. 11, Dara made two questionable errors that led to both of Singapore's goals within the first 16 minutes.

In the 9th minute, a back pass from a Cambodian defender caught the 21-year-old goalkeeper off guard, and he missed the ball, allowing Singapore’s Faris Ramli to finish easily into an open net. Just 7 minutes later, another back pass from a defender was mishandled by Dara, whose one-touch pass was intercepted by Shawal Anuar and this player slotted the ball in to make it 2-0.

Cambodia managed to get one back in the second half, and lost 1-2.

Following the match, fans voiced suspicions that Dara had intentionally conceded the goals, leading to allegations of match-fixing.

In response to these concerns, general Sao Sokha, the president of the FFC and the head of Cambodia’s military police, announced that an investigation would be launched to clarify the situation.

"Honest officials and players who are not involved in this incident have nothing to worry about their integrity," Sokha told Khmer Times.

Dara, who currently plays for Svay Rieng in the Cambodian Premier League, has started just four matches for the national team. The game against Singapore marked his debut in the ASEAN Cup. His mistakes in the match raised big questions among fans.

"I request the FFC to investigate goalkeeper Vireak for deliberately conceding two consecutive goals. How many bank accounts does he have? Has his or his relatives' account balance suddenly increased? Letting Singapore score two goals like that is 70 to 90% cheating," one fan wrote on Facebook.

However, Dara’s teammates have shown their support for him.

"The tournament is not over yet and the team still have two important matches ahead. Every player is fighting and wants to win for the team. Silly mistakes are common in football and I fully trust and support Vireak," winger Nick Taylor wrote on social media.

After two matches, Cambodia sit in fourth place with one point. They face Timor Leste at home on Tuesday, followed by an away match against Thailand three days later. To have a chance of advancing to the semifinals, Cambodia will need to win both games.