Convicted match-fixer correctly predicted outcome of Cameroon vs. Croatia, and sending off

Do you remember Cameroon's 4-0 loss to Croatia during the Group Stage? Do you remember thinking that there were more than a fair share of strange occurrences?

Like when Alex Song inexplicably elbow-punched Mario Mandzukic:

Or when team-mates Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Benjamin Moukandjo scuffled mid-match?

How about when Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic scored this goal, that was literally handed to him by Cameroon 'keeper Charles Itandje?

There were a lot of weird moments like that, and Cameroon's play seemed especially listless. Not just lack of a fighting spirit listless, more like not even trying listless.

However, any suspicions of match-fixing were more in the realm of "you gotta ask the question" than hard evidence or even circumstantial evidence provided by betting houses seeing a flurry of strange gambling activity on the match.

That was until word leaked that convicted football match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal correctly predicted the 4-0 outcome to Der Spiegel, further informing the German news magazine that a player would be sent off.

The BBC is reporting that as a result of the Singaporean's apparent clairvoyance, Cameroon officials are investigating claims that seven of their players were involved in match-fixing at the World Cup in Brazil.

According to Cameroon's Football Association: 

Recent allegations of fraud around Cameroon's 2014 FIFA World Cup three preliminary games, especially Cameroon versus Croatia, as well of the 'existence of seven bad apples [in our national team]' do not reflect the values and principles promoted by our administration, in line with FIFA's code of conduct and the ethics of our nation.

We are strongly committed to employ all means necessary to resolve this disruptive matter in the shortest delays.

FIFA wouldn't comment on whether or not it was also looking into the matter, telling the BBC that it didn't want to "compromise any possible investigations," before adding that "the integrity of the game is a top priority for FIFA, and as such we take any allegations of match manipulation very seriously."

On top of being horribly disappointing for soccer fans, the allegations occurring at this tournament represent an incredibly important matter for FIFA. Predetermined results undermine the very nature of the product on offer. When this happens at the World Cup, it's occurring on the sport's biggest stage. 

This is where so many future fans and supporters are introduced to football. This is where the relationship to the sport begins.

With the exception of professional wrestling, the vicarious relationship that fans develop with spectator sports depends on the appeal of an undecided outcome. 

We're witnessing a competition play out live in front of us, and the appeal of unknown results — and the emotions it produces as a byproduct — is what creates allegiances and loyalties to a side. The feelings that shackle us to sports in a way that we're not tied to movies, music or art are the result of uncontrollable and unknown outcomes. 

Yes, Germany may have a more talented squad than Algeria, but anything can happen. The moment anything can't happen in sports is the moment it loses its appeal, and our vicarious relationship evaporates.

That's it. Done. 

This is what's at stake with these allegations. This is what the Cameroon players — if this is indeed true — are attempting to steal from fans whose collective support make their careers possible. This is what the federations are allowing to happen, and indirectly encouraging with their lack of proper compensation for participating players.

This is what FIFA, if it wants to be the least bit useful to the advancement of this sport, must stop.