|
Striker Soukphachan Lueanthala (number 10) during the match between Laos and the Philippines in the 2026 ASEAN Cup group stage. Photo by LFF |
According to The Guardianthe betting ring is reportedly based in a Southeast Asian country. Lueanthala is currently in custody, though the Lao Football Federation (LFF) and Lao police have not yet confirmed the incident.
Lueanthala, 24, has made 20 appearances for the Laos national team. At the club level, he currently plays for Salavan United in the Lao league.
Prior to the arrest, the LFF sent a formal letter to the Lao Ministry of Public Security on Aug. 7 requesting an investigation into irregularities during the national team’s ASEAN Cup fixtures. The LFF stated that following initial verifications and player interviews conducted on Aug. 2 and 6, it is highly likely that criminal activity occurred.
The LFF did not name any specific player in the letter.
The allegations follow a dismal tournament run for Laos, marked by heavy defeats and highly suspicious incidents during matches. The team suffered crushing losses to Thailand (0-5), Malaysia (0-4), the Philippines (1-4), and Myanmar (2-7).
In these matches, there were questionable individual errors. Defender Viengxay Sydavong scored two own goals against Malaysia and the Philippines. Phetdavanh Somsanith received a straight red card in the opening match against Thailand, got suspended, and then immediately received another straight red upon his return against the Philippines. Sayfon Keoharam was also sent off during the final match against Myanmar.
Goalkeeper Keo Souvannasangso also caused controversy during the 0-4 loss to Malaysia. Facing a free-kick from Wan Kuzain in the 84th minute, Souvannasangso appeared to correctly anticipate the shot’s trajectory. However, just as the ball arrived within his reach, the 26-year-old pulled his hands back and dropped to the ground, allowing an easily savable shot to find the back of the net. From the television camera angles, this gave the impression that Souvannasangso did not want to save the shot.
The recent performances contrast with the team’s previous campaign. During the 2024 ASEAN Cup under South Korean coach Ha Hyeok-jun, Laos were significantly better in defense. Despite finishing bottom of their group, they scored seven goals, conceded eleven, and managed shock draws against Indonesia (3-3) and the Philippines (1-1).
At the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup that ended on Oct. 5, Serbian coach Vladica Grujic overhauled the roster, retaining only seven players from the 2026 ASEAN Cup. Prior to the tournament, Grujic’s side had competed in the Tier 2 qualifiers in Hong Kong, where they defeated Brunei 3-1 but lost 0-4 to the host nation.