Wilson Raj Perumal

Wilson Raj Perumal, born on July 31, 1965, is a notable figure in the world of sports for his involvement in match-fixing activities, particularly in Singapore. A convicted match-fixer, Perumal has been implicated in several high-profile scandals, including the Asiagate scandal that unfolded between 2007 and 2009 and the Finnish match-fixing crisis that occurred from 2008 to 2011.

His criminal activities in this field began early, as he was first incarcerated for match-fixing in Singapore in 1995. That same year, he traveled to England, where he was commissioned by a Singaporean syndicate to manipulate the outcomes of two FA Cup matches. In his autobiography, Perumal recounts his failed attempts to bribe prominent goalkeepers, including Ian Bennett of Birmingham City and Chelsea’s Dmitri Kharine.

Perumal's actions eventually led to his arrest in Finland in February 2011, where he was sentenced to two years in prison. He served one year before being extradited to Hungarian authorities. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the darker side of sports, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced in the fight against corruption in athletics.