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Match-Fixing Allegations Arise in U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers After Australia-Indonesia Draw

Allegations of match-fixing surface after Australia and Indonesia play out a controversial draw, eliminating India from the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Match-Fixing Allegations Arise in U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers After Australia-Indonesia Draw
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Australia U17 team (Photo credit: Socceroos/X)

By

The Bridge Desk

Updated: 28 Oct 2024 9:24 AM GMT

In a high-stakes AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifier game, the Indian U17 team lost 2-3 to Thailand on October 27, 2024, leaving India’s hopes of advancing dependent on the outcome of another group-stage clash between Australia and Indonesia.

India, having finished their group-stage games, needed Australia to win their match against Indonesia to keep their qualification hopes alive.

However, a different outcome unfolded, sparking serious allegations of match-fixing and raising questions about the integrity of the tournament’s scheduling.

In the thrilling game at the Chonburi Stadium, India had put up a strong fight, taking the lead twice in a match that swung back and forth with momentum.

Ngamgouhou Mate’s penalty kick and Vishal Yadav’s volley gave India leads in the first half, yet Thailand equalized each time.

The game ultimately slipped out of India’s hands when Chaiwat Ngoenma’s 86th-minute goal sealed the victory for Thailand. As the final whistle blew, India’s hopes were left in limbo, pending the Australia-Indonesia result.

A win for Australia would have seen India through, while a draw would mean Indonesia advanced instead, sending India out of the tournament.

Unlike simultaneous fixtures, which are standard in tournaments where qualification depends on other results, the Australia-Indonesia game took place after the India-Thailand match had concluded, granting both Australia and Indonesia a clear understanding of the stakes.

The outcome needed for both teams to secure advancement was a draw, and that’s precisely what played out. With a 0-0 scoreline, Australia and Indonesia each earned a single point, eliminating India from the competition.

Observers and fans soon noticed troubling gameplay in the Australia-Indonesia match. Players from both teams were seen passing the ball around cautiously within their own halves, making no attempt to push forward or create goal-scoring opportunities.

This lackluster performance sparked allegations of a “fixed” draw, with critics suggesting that the teams colluded to ensure they would both progress.

In a sport that thrives on competitive spirit and fair play, the scenes on the field felt uncharacteristically stagnant, fueling speculation and frustration.

Football tournaments typically schedule decisive, interdependent matches to be played concurrently to eliminate any incentive for match-fixing or “gentlemen’s agreements.”

The delayed scheduling here has therefore raised questions about the organization and ethics surrounding the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, as fans and critics alike demand answers.

In the aftermath, calls for investigation into this match and reforms in scheduling are mounting, with fans emphasizing the need for fairness in a sport cherished for its unpredictability and integrity.

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