The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) is investigating goalkeeper Vireak Dara for potential match-fixing during the 2024/25 AFF Championship, following a 1-2 defeat to Singapore on December 11th.
In the Group A second-round match, Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng custodian Dara committed two significant errors leading to Singapore’s goals within the first 16 minutes.
In the 9th minute, a back pass from a Cambodian defender caught Dara off guard, allowing Singapore’s Faris Ramli to score into an open net.
Seven minutes later, Dara mishandled another back pass; his attempted one-touch pass was intercepted by Shawal Anuar, who scored to make it 2-0.
Although Cambodia scored in the second half, they ultimately lost 1-2.
Post-match, fans expressed suspicions that Dara’s mistakes were intentional, prompting match-fixing allegations.
General Sao Sokha, president of the FFC, announced an investigation into Dara’s actions, stating that if found guilty, Dara would face a lifetime ban from football.
Dara, who debuted for the national team in 2023, has not publicly responded to the allegations, although national and club teammate Nick Taylor has jumped into social media in his defense.
“If there is 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%,” wrote America-born Taylor, who was a product of the Orlando City youth academy.