Match-Fixing Allegations Expand to Economic Concerns, DPR References Malaysia and Singapore's Neighbourly Conduct

Despite the Indonesian National Team successfully advancing to the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final after a 9-2 victory over Bangladesh, the 6-0 result in the Malaysia vs Singapore match has been deemed suspicious.

Allegations of score-fixing in the Malaysia vs Singapore match during the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 have led to concerns regarding Indonesia’s diplomatic and economic relations with both neighbouring countries. Muhammad Hoerudin Amin, a member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has explicitly linked Indonesia’s economic ties with Malaysia and Singapore to this issue.

Hoerudin noted that Singapore has been one of the largest foreign investors in Indonesia over the last decade, while Malaysia is also among Indonesia’s primary investors. Following the allegations of a fixed match and the subsequent economic implications, the legislator from the PAN Faction addressed the manner in which both neighbouring countries interact with Indonesia.

“Indonesia has opened its doors wide for their businesses, yet on the field, we are nearly obstructed. If these allegations are proven true, it is not a good way of being a neighbour,” he stated.

The accusations regarding the ‘elephant football’ (match-fixing) between Malaysia and Singapore at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung Regency on Thursday night (1/10/2026) are not without reason. The match was the deciding factor for a spot in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final, as goal difference was the only differentiator between Indonesia and Malaysia in determining which team would advance to the championship match.

Hoerudin expressed his hope that the Chairman of the PSSI (Indonesian Football Association), Erick Thohir, would bring this matter to FIFA. He urged the PSSI to gather all evidence related to the Malaysia vs Singapore match.