Laos football federation refers bribery case to police after 7-2 rout
Laos lost all four group games at the Asean Championship, conceding 20 goals in the process.
The hit
A Laos international has been arrested over alleged match-fixing during the 2026 Asean Championship, according to the Guardian. Soukphachan Lueanthala, a winger for Salavan United, is accused of helping organise the alleged operation for a betting syndicate reportedly from Vietnam. The arrest has not been confirmed by the Laos Football Federation or police, though the player is in custody.
Why it matters
A source with long experience inside Lao football alleges fixing is a long-running problem tied to players’ poor pay, with one player allegedly paid $10,000 per fixed match. The case follows a prior Laos fixing scandal that saw the Asian Football Confederation hand out a life ban in 2020, raising fresh questions about how deep the problem runs.
The record
| LFF statement confirming investigation & police referral | 7 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Final group match defeat | 7-2 to Myanmar, early August 2026 |
| Other group stage losses | 5-0 to Thailand, 4-0 to Malaysia, 4-1 to Philippines |
| Prior Laos fixing ban | Life ban for Thipphonexay Inthavongsa, 2020 (Asian Football Confederation) |
What happens next
Watch for whether the Asian Football Confederation opens its own inquiry. The AFC & the LFF were both contacted for comment & did not respond.
Sources: Laos footballer arrested in connection with alleged match-fixing for betting syndicate
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