Rigging Scandal Hits Vietnam’s V-League 2
A scandal has erupted in Vietnam’s V-League 2 as five players from Ba Ria-Vung Tau FC face allegations of match-fixing. The incident occurred during a match against SHB Da Nang on December 24, 2023. The players involved, goalkeeper Nguyen Son Hai, midfielder Le Bang Gia Huy, winger Nguyen Quang Huy, center-back Tran Ky Anh, and striker Pham Van Phong, allegedly placed bets on SHB Da Nang’s victory through football betting websites. Despite initially leading 1-0, Ba Ria-Vung Tau ultimately lost 1-3 after conceding three late goals.
Colonel Bui Van Thao, director of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Public Security, has confirmed that an investigation is underway. The players have been released on bail while the investigation continues. In response to the incident, Ba Ria-Vung Tau FC president Dinh Hong Vinh has terminated the contracts of the five players.
This is not the first time match rigging has occurred in the 2023-24 V-League 2. Dong Nai FC previously terminated the contracts of four players following their underperformance in a 0-4 loss against Ba Ria-Vung Tau FC during Round 4 of the season on November 5, 2023. SHB Da Nang, currently leading the standings with 17 points, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, in fourth place with 12 points, are among the teams affected by these incidents.
