AFC general secretary Dato’ Peter Velappan said: “The recent arrest and suspension of six footballers in the professional V-League for up to three years sends a clear message to all players, officials and referee in fixing matches,” he said.
“We urge VFF to continue to be vigilant until everyone suspected of bribery and corruption is eliminated,” explained Velappan.
He also advised countries affected by this malaise such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Hong Kong to continue their campaign against bribery and corruption, together with the close cooperation of the police authorities.
“Football is undoubtedly a golden product that attracts gamblers and this is another reason why football associations and the governments should seriously study the introduction of legal football betting in order to eliminate this menace which runs into millions of dollars.
“We need the total support of the government and the football associations to help keep Asian football as healthy and clean as possible,” said Velappan.
