Host broadcaster to correct commentary after Singapore-Malaysia match
Mediacorp said it had passed on viewers’ complaints about the broadcast of Singapore’s 6-0 FIFA ASEAN Cup defeat.
The FIFA-appointed host broadcaster is preparing replacement commentary for Singapore’s 6-0 defeat by Malaysia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Oct 1, Mediacorp said on Oct 2. Viewers had complained online about errors and unrelated references in the broadcast.
Mediacorp said it shared viewers’ concerns and had raised them with the relevant parties. It said the corrected commentary would replace the version on mewatch after it received it. The match was carried by Channel 5, mewatch Live6 and FIFA+ on DAZN.
Among the errors, Singapore player Harhys Stewart was identified as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while the team’s performance of Majulah Singapura was described as Japan’s anthem. The commentary also referred to Liverpool, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund without clear context, and mentioned golfer Tiger Woods while describing a pass at Bandung’s Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.
Some social media users questioned whether artificial intelligence had generated the commentary. The Straits Times reported that it understood this was not the case and that FIFA was investigating with its broadcast partners. Three AI-detection tools used by the newspaper assessed the audio as likely human-voiced. As at 4.35pm on Oct 2, the full broadcast and highlights containing the commentary issues remained available on mewatch platforms and Mediacorp Sports’ YouTube channel.
