Association treating alleged match-fixing in S'pore basketball league with ‘utmost seriousness'
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau said it arrested eight Singaporeans and one permanent resident aged between 19 and 35.
SINGAPORE – The Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) said on Aug 20 that it is treating the alleged match-fixing case in the National Basketball League (NBL) Division 1 with the 'utmost seriousness', and will work to rebuild trust in the sport.
A day earlier, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a statement that
nine people were arrested for their suspected involvement in fixing matches in the NBL in 2025.
Among the eight Singaporeans and one permanent resident aged between 19 and 35 who were arrested were players from the teams taking part in the 2025 league competition.
The bureau said investigations are ongoing, and that Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.
In its statement on Aug 20, the BAS said that it 'recognises the gravity of the alleged match-fixing case'.
The national sports association added: 'We understand the concerns raised within our community and wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the values of integrity and fair play in Singapore basketball.
'As stewards of the sport, BAS maintains a zero-tolerance stance against match-fixing and all forms of misconduct that compromise the integrity of the game. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and will refrain from commenting on ongoing investigations out of respect for due process.
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'We assure all stakeholders that, should any individual be found to have breached our ethical standards, decisive and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with our regulations.'
It will also redouble 'efforts to strengthen education and awareness programmes for athletes, coaches and officials', as well as review and enhance its internal safeguards and competition management to prevent future incidents.
The 2025 NBL Division 1 is set to run until Aug 30 and comprises 10 teams: Adroit HB, Scholar Basketball Academy, Tagawa, Chong Ghee, Allinton Eng Tat Hornets, SG Basketball, Siglap Basketball Club (SBA), Xin Hua, Tungsan and Tong Whye.
The league is organised by the BAS and matches are played at the Singapore Basketball Centre in Aljunied.
The CPIB said that one of the matches that was allegedly fixed was between Tagawa and Tong Whye, which took place on Aug 1. That match ended 66-43 in favour of Tagawa.
According to a source, NBL matches were being offered for betting on illegal gambling sites – screenshots of these games were seen by ST.
A check on the BAS website also shows that the matches are available for live streaming on a pay-per-view basis for between $2.99 and $3.99 per match.
With the regular season having concluded on Aug 17, play-off matches are set to begin with the quarter-finals on Aug 20.
Eng Tat Hornets will take on Xin Hua at 7.15pm followed by Adroit HB against SBA at 9pm. The other two matches will be held on Aug 22 when Siglap face Chong Ghee and SG Basketball square off against Tagawa.
The BAS said: 'As we do not have concrete evidence that the NBL Division 1 is compromised, and in fairness to the players and teams who have trained hard for this competition, BAS will let the ongoing tournament continue as per scheduled until further notice. Any officials or players under arrest or who have been arrested will be immediately suspended from all league activities.'
Stressing its commitment to working with the community, the association added that 'our goal is to rebuild trust and ensure that Singapore basketball remains a source of pride and inspiration for all'.
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