Vietnamese Super League club Saigon FC under suspicion of involvement in match-fixing

Apr 27, 2012 4:00:00 AM

Unusually abnormal performances in recent weeks have cast suspicion on the Ho Chi Minh City-based team, resulting in investigations by the league's security department

Newly-promoted club Saigon FC of the Vietnamese Super League are suspected of involvement in match-fixing following signs of irregularity in their recent performance.

Questions emerged after a match between Saigon and Song Lam Nghe An when in stoppage time, Saigon goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong made a serious mistake resulting in a 2-2 draw. Truong was later asked to find a new club following his poor performance in several other fixtures.

Responding to the allegations, the security department of league operators Vietnam Professional Football (VPF) have ordered Lu Dinh Tuan's team to present an official report regarding the team's questionable form.

"This situation has left the public wondering about the existence of a football betting and match-fixing ring," the department told Tuoi Tre.

Moreover, the security department has necessitated that Saigon's chairman to submit a document to clarify this case.

"Saigon FC should also create conditions to allow the suspicious men to [cooperate] with the agencies under the Ministry of Public Security in the future," the department's statement continued.

Responding to the allegations, club chairman Nguyen Duc Thuy stated that a meeting will be held with the entire squad in order to ask the involved players for their opinions.

"We have been skeptical over the last few days, as some of the match results were allegedly altered," said Thuy, who claimed to be "even more doubtful" for his part.

Recent Saigon fixtures have been marked by defenders appearing unwilling to move against attacking players, lack of aggression on the attack, and a lack of complaints to the officials even after their own players have been fouled.

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