Six Dong Nai players used 400 million VND to fix matches.

This afternoon (July 21), the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ministry of Public Security (C45) held a press conference to announce the results of the investigation into match-fixing cases during the World Cup, including a group of players from Dong Nai.

Director (C45) Ho Sy Tien stated: “Through our efforts to combat and uncover a network using foreign online gambling sites to organize domestic gambling activities, we discovered the mastermind, Nguyen Phuc Thuan, born in 1982 (Tuyen Hoa, Dong Nai), currently residing in Long Binh, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, with a prior conviction for organizing gambling. Several football players participated in the gambling activities organized by this individual. The individuals who provided the websites were Tran Van Ba ​​(organizer), Do Hoang Ha (network administrator), and Tran Dinh Hai (broker).”

A group of players from the Dong Nai football team were involved in gambling during the World Cup. These individuals organized match-fixing in V.League games involving Dong Nai, using the "over/under" betting system. Most of these individuals were involved in fixing the losing matches.

Director (C45) Ho Sy Tien

The ringleaders of this operation were Huu Phat (captain of Dong Nai team), who colluded with Thuan to fix the Than Quang Ninh - Dong Nai match for 400 million VND, with a 2-goal difference in the outcome.

The score in the first half was already 3-1. The betting odds were settled in the first half alone. The final score was 5-3. So the score was just enough to win the bet.”

According to Mr. Tien, the group of players involved have been summoned, including Huu Phat, the mastermind, along with five other players: Dinh Kien Trung, Nguyen Duc Thien, The Son, Long Giang, and Niem Tien, all of whom are players.

Those involved in match-fixing target key positions such as goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and finally, forward. This allows them to quickly redeem the entire team.

“In recent years, match-fixing by individuals has often been independent of their opponents. The individuals involved decide the outcome themselves. We will continue investigating matches in the V.League. Teams involved may not even be aware of their involvement. For example, Quang Ninh team may not have known their opponent was involved in match-fixing in their match against Dong Nai,” Mr. Tien said.

According to Mr. Tien, in addition to the six football-related suspects mentioned above, C45 also summoned player Nguyen Dinh Hiep (U22 Dong Thap FC). This player has good skills, but is addicted to gambling, is acquainted with Hoang, and frequently uses gambling organizations to bet on matches he likes.

"Besides the match in Quang Ninh, other matches in Dong Nai were also fixed. We are continuing our investigation to clarify the matter. Based on yesterday's search of the suspects' homes, we seized mobile phones, computers, and nearly 300 million VND in cash."

"The 400 million VND has not yet been distributed. Before the match, the players held a meeting to assign tasks, and only 3 players were selected to start," Mr. Tien said.

The head of C45 emphasized: "The current issue is that C45 is conducting regular investigations because Vietnamese football is in a low-lying area, plagued by scandals, deception of spectators, and unsportsmanlike conduct in matches."

We discovered individuals involved in both organizing and participating in betting related to football players. We proceeded to gather evidence, verify information, and only made arrests when the time was right.

Our stance is to continue the expanded investigation into this case. We have been working with the VFF President to ensure strict handling of the matter. Even though the V.League has come to an unsatisfactory end, it must be thoroughly resolved to save Vietnamese football.

Over the past period, C45 and VFF have closely coordinated to strictly handle Ninh Binh, but the players still disregard the law, leading to match-fixing.

We will soon initiate legal proceedings, indicting suspects and bringing cases of organized gambling to light. Groups of players may face various penalties, and we will expand the investigation to other teams for stricter punishment.

"The V.League has only 3 rounds left to finish, and we need to try to complete the season. This is the responsibility of the police and all relevant parties."

According to Vietnam.net