Alleged bribery case hits Singapore canoeing, ex-officials in SEA Games-related incident
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
According to sources, the incident came to light in late August when a complaint was made to the Singapore Canoe Federation.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: UNSPLASH
Follow topic:
- A former Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF) official allegedly offered an athlete a bribe of $50,000-$60,000 to withdraw from a SEA Games event
- The SCF conducted an inquiry, deeming it "a misunderstanding" with "no malicious intent", but is reviewing its process under Sport Singapore's advice.
- SportSG is working with the SCF and has requested an independent review, emphasising the seriousness of the matter and the need for good governance.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Singapore’s canoeing fraternity has been rocked by controversy ahead of the Dec 9-20 SEA Games, after allegations emerged that a former senior official had offered a bribe to a national athlete to pull out of an event.
The Straits Times understands that the ex-official from the Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF) had in early August approached an athlete – who is part of the 14-member SEA Games squad – with a proposition.
He allegedly offered to pay the kayaker between $50,000 and $60,000 to pull out of a SEA Games event to allow another athlete to take his spot. According to sources, the former had been directed to do so by another ex-senior official from the federation.
When the athlete refused, the first former official then said he would offer the incentive to another team member.
An individual with knowledge of the incident told ST that he was “quite shocked” by the sum of money that was being offered.
The incident came to light in August when a complaint was made to the SCF, which subsequently conducted an inquiry.
In a written reply to ST’s queries, the SCF said that it had “looked into the matter” when the allegations were made known.
“The inquiry found that it was a misunderstanding and there was no malicious intent. SCF maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct,” said its spokesman.
“As part of our commitment to transparency, the SCF is conducting an in-depth independent review of its inquiry process under advisement of Sport Singapore (SportSG) to ensure continued accountability and good governance.
“The SEA Games team has been selected in accordance with the established selection policy and was announced on Aug 27.”
ST understands that the two officials are no longer part of the SCF and both were not present at the federation’s annual general meeting on Sept 27, when elections were held for a new executive committee.
SCF members who attended the AGM declined to comment on the incident when ST visited the meeting venue at the High Performance Sport Institute.
The two former officials did not respond to requests for comments.
In a reply to ST’s queries, a spokesperson for national governing body SportSG said: “Sport Singapore takes a very serious view regarding matters affecting the integrity and well-being of our sporting community, and will not hesitate to report any wrongdoing to the relevant authorities.
“We are aware that the SCF had earlier completed its inquiry into this matter and taken the necessary actions.
“Given the seriousness of this case, SportSG has asked SCF to also convene an independent committee to conduct a review of its inquiry process, and to strengthen SCF’s governance.
“We are also working with the newly elected committee of SCF to ensure that our TeamSG athletes who have been selected for SEA Games 2025 by the Singapore National Olympic Council continue to be supported in their training and can focus on their preparations for their competition in December 2025.”
This latest incident comes after a number of controversies in Singapore sport.
In March, SportSG filed a police report after an investigation found that the Singapore Underwater Federation had submitted falsified results for the women’s fin swimming 4x200m relay surface event during the selection for the 2023 SEA Games.
In August, nine basketballers were arrested
Among those arrested were players from the teams taking part in the competition.
NBL Division 1 finalists Adroit were subsequently thrown out of the tournament
In September, Singapore Cricket Association chief executive Saad Khan Janjua was handed a one-year suspension
He was also “suspended from his role as sport administrator, subject to completion of educational intervention”.
But the punishment drew the ire of several players
Correction note: In an earlier version of the story, we said that the first former official allegedly tried to offer the incentive to another team member. This is incorrect. Instead, the first former official only said he would offer the incentive to another team member.
