Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamed bin Hammam on Thursday called match-fixing a "cancer" that is destroying the game after an illegal approach to players in Singapore.

His comments follow allegations that two players of Maldives side Victory SC were approached on Tuesday night to throw their AFC Cup match here against Singapore's Home United.

Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau and the AFC are now investigating after being alerted by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).

"The FAS and AFC share the

same view that match-fixing is a cancer which damages the integrity of football, the teams and ultimately the players," said Bin Hammam.

"Bribery and match-fixing by illegal betting syndicates are scourges which are destroying the game and AFC is committed to eradicating them and keeping Asian football clean.

"AFC will take all possible measures to fight against such elements who are corrupting the game. We will pursue this matter to its logical end and concentrate our energies on finding out the truth."

Home United won Wednesday night's game 2-1.

Local reports said Argentinians Marcos Aguirre and Luciano Theiler were approached by an unidentified man at the Royal

Hotel where the Maldives team was staying.

They declined his offers to throw the match and reported the matter to team officials who in turn informed the FAS.

"We take a serious view of corruption and remain committed to stamping out this menace," said FAS general secretary Winston Lee.

Corruption has long blighted football in Asia, particularly in Vietnam and China.

Earlier this year, seven players from Singapore league side Liaoning Guangyuan were charged with alleged match-fixing.

It followed club manager Wang Xin being suspended from all football activities after being charged with the same offence. Liaoning have since been thrown out of the S-League.