The alleged betting ring is reportedly based in a Southeast Asian country. The British newspaper Guardian stated that Suokphachan is currently detained, though the Lao Football Federation (LFF) and Lao police have yet to officially confirm the incident. Soukphachan Lueanthala, born in 2002, has played 20 matches for the Lao national team and currently plays for Salavan United in the Lao championship.

Lao players sing the national anthem before their match against Brunei in the opening round of Group A, FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, at Mong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong on 24/9. Photo: LFF

The LFF initiated its own investigation, sending an official dispatch to the Ministry of Public Security of Laos on 7/8, requesting a probe into irregularities during the national team's ASEAN Cup 2026 matches. The dispatch stated, "We respectfully submit this report to the General Department of Police under the Ministry of Public Security of Laos to consider actions showing signs of criminal offense." The Federation had previously interviewed all players on 2/8 and 6/8, concluding that "based on the initial verification of information, along with collected data and evidence, criminal acts likely occurred."

Laos suffered consecutive losses in the group stage, falling to Thailand 0-5, Malaysia 0-4, the Philippines 1-4, and Myanmar 2-7. Player Viengxay netted two own goals in the matches against Malaysia and the Philippines. Phetdavanh Somsanith received a direct red card in the opening loss to Thailand, leading to a suspension for the Malaysia match. He then received another direct red card in the subsequent loss to the Philippines. In the final group stage match against Myanmar on 4/8, Sayfon Keoharam also received a direct red card.

During the 0-4 loss to Malaysia, goalkeeper Keo Souvannasangso also sparked controversy on social media with a questionable action in the 84th minute. From a free kick just outside the penalty area, slightly to the left, Wan Kuzain's right-footed shot traveled towards the center of the goal. Souvannasangso initially positioned himself slightly to the right, seemed to anticipate the shot's direction, and began to move. However, as the ball flew within his reach, the 26-year-old goalkeeper retracted his hands and fell, making no attempt to save. Television replays suggested Keo deliberately avoided the save, despite the shot not being overly threatening.

In its official dispatch to the Ministry of Public Security of Laos, the LFF did not name any specific player in connection with match-fixing. The Federation requested authorities to investigate the allegations following the identification of serious irregularities.

For the ASEAN Cup 2026, Laos was coached by Serbian Vladica Grujic. The national team, however, lacked the defensive discipline of the 2024 tournament under former coach Ha Hyeok-jun. In 2024, Laos also finished last in their group but scored 7 goals and conceded only 11. They lost to Vietnam 1-4 and Myanmar 2-3, but managed surprising draws against Indonesia (3-3) and the Philippines (1-1).

Laos also recently competed in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division Two in Hong Kong. Placed in Group A, they defeated Brunei 3-1 but lost to Hong Kong 0-4. Coach Grujic significantly revamped the squad for this tournament, retaining only 7 players from the ASEAN Cup 2026 team.