S’porean, co-conspirators suspected of football match-fixing arrested ahead of SEA Games

SINGAPORE – A Singaporean suspected to be involved in football match-fixing activities has been arrested, ahead of the 28th South-East Asian (SEA) Games. Several co-conspirators of different nationalities have also been nabbed, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in a press release today (May 29).

Some members from the Timor-Leste SEA Games football team are assisting the CPIB in its investigations. 

Acting on information received, the CPIB said that it mounted an operation that started late yesterday (May 28) and ended early this morning.

In an interview, head coach of the Timor Leste team, Fabio Da Silva, revealed that three players, who are not key players, had missed a training session this morning.

The saga has affected the team, he said, but they are trying to concentrate for the “important match against Malaysia” in their opening group match tomorrow.

The CPIB said it has been proactively monitoring football match-fixing activities. Investigation are ongoing against the arrested persons for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

“Singapore has always adopted a zero tolerance approach towards corruption, and match fixing of any form is not condoned in Singapore,” said the CPIB. “The CPIB will not hesitate to take action against any parties involved, if they have given, received, or offered bribes to fix a match.”

Separately, SEA Games organisers confirmed that the football matches will continue as planned and Timor Leste will play against Malaysia in their opening group match tomorrow.

The decision came after the South East Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) and the Singapore Southeast Asian Games Organising Committee (SINGSOC) met with the Timor Leste National Olympic Committee officials. In consultation with the Asian Football Confederation and the Football Association of Singapore, SEAGF and SINGSOC have accepted their decision to proceed, said a statement.

“The SEAGF and SINGSOC take a firm view on match fixing and any actions by unscrupulous persons that bring the 28th SEA Games into disrepute. We will work closely with the Singapore authorities to uncover such intentions,” the statement said.

The 28th SEA Games football tournament kicked off today with Brunei taking on Vietnam in the first Group B football fixture in the men’s under-23 category at the Bishan Stadium.