The Lao National Football Federation (LFF) has formally requested an investigation into allegations of match-fixing involving its national football team following a disappointing run in the AFF Cup 2026. The federation's concerns stem from several dubious incidents observed during the team's four losses in the tournament.

On August 7, the LFF submitted a letter to the police and relevant authorities, seeking a thorough investigation into the conduct of certain players. Although the letter did not name specific players, it emphasized the need for a clear conclusion before determining any legal violations.

Suspicious Incidents

Three red cards and twelve yellow cards were issued to the Lao team during the tournament, with two red cards given to defender Phetdavanh Somsanith. In a match against the Philippines, he was sent off for a foul in the midfield, and in another match against Thailand, he made a critical mistake that led to a goal for the opposing team.

Another red card was shown to Sayfon Keohanam in the second half of the match against Myanmar after a confrontation that resulted in both players being sent off. The accumulation of cards has raised eyebrows among LFF officials, especially given that the team had not received any red cards in the previous two AFF Cups.

Concerning Goals Against

Particular goals conceded have also drawn scrutiny. In the match against Myanmar, Laos conceded a goal just 75 seconds into the game, stemming from a poor pass that was intercepted. In another instance, defender Viengxay Sidavong inadvertently scored an own goal against the Philippines, and he repeated this misfortune in the match against Malaysia.

Poor Tournament Performance

Historically, Laos has performed better in previous tournaments, finishing at the bottom of their group in the last two AFF Cups but managing to score more goals. In contrast, during the AFF Cup 2026, the team only managed to score four goals while conceding twenty, raising further questions about their performance.

The LFF's request for an investigation highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the need for transparency in the sport. As the investigation unfolds, the future of the Lao national team and its players remains uncertain.