Playing to lose

Thailand and Indonesia were yesterday fined £25,000 for violating "the spirit of the game" after their Tiger Cup Football tournament match in which both teams appeared intent on losing.

The teams came in for widespread condemnation following the encounter in Ho Chi Minh City on August 31st in which both countries wanted to lose to avoid playing Vietnam in the semi-finals.

The Vietnam Football Federation called an own goal by Indonesia in the dying seconds, which gave Thailand a 3-2 victory, clearly intentional.

Thailand manager Thirachai Wutthitham has already offered to resign.

Thailand's deputy Prime Minister Bhichai Ratakul said: "We are Thais, we should play as hard as we can . . . both teams wanted to be the loser."

However, while Indonesia got their way they ended up surprise losers to Singapore in the semi-final with no own goals.