THE disappearance two days ago of Czech striker Michal Vana, facing six charges of match-fixing in the Malaysian-based M.League, has cast a new shadow over Singapore, his adopted homeland.
Whatever the reason, in all probability his disappearance will end the court investigation into the match-fixing bookie syndicates that have ravaged soccer in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
The latest twist in his sorry tale has all the hallmarks of an airport novel potboiler: distraught wife, rumours of suicide, vengeful underworld associates and a HK$1.4 million jumped bail bond.
Vana was due to face a district court on Friday to answer charges he has paid more than US$800,000 to opposing team players to ensure certain match results in six games in the M.League.
Vana never showed up in court and after an initial adjournment, his lawyer S. Radakrishnan and bail guarantor, local businessman V. Supramaniam, admitted Vana was nowhere to be found.
An arrest warrant was immediately issued and the judge ordered Supramaniam to show cause why his HK$1.4 million bail bond shouldn't be forfeited.