The Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny has urged Chinese football fans to stop sending him money after his saves in a 3-1 defeat by Thailand helped China reach the next round of World Cup qualifiers.
The 40-year-old made 11 saves on Tuesday as Thailand fell agonisingly short of a spot in the draw for the next round on 27 June, despite their 3-1 victory. Thailand needed to win by three clear goals, or to score at least four with a two-goal victory margin, to climb above the Chinese in the standings. Hassan went viral on Chinese social media and the payment QR code of the food stall he runs with his wife was circulated online, with Chinese fans using it to send money.
“I did enjoy it for a while. I was like: ‘Oh OK, money coming in.’ But having said that, I was thinking: ‘When is this going to stop? Is this legal?’” Hassan told the Singaporean broadcaster CNA. “I think we have to stop somewhere.”
Hassan warned that fans could be scammed as fake QR codes had also been circulated. “I really appreciate your support for me these past few days, which has allowed me to fully experience the passion of Chinese football fans,” Hassan wrote in a social media post. “Over these past few days, the QR code for payments at my coconut rice stall has been widely circulated online, and some videos have even been edited with fake QR codes. Therefore, I appeal to everyone to be rational in their support and stop transferring money to me through the internet.”
Chinese fans also lined up to buy out all the food at the stand run by Hassan and his wife, Aidah Rahim. Dapur Hassan quickly jumped to No 1 in the Singaporean snack and food section on Dianping, a Chinese restaurant review app. The shop specialises in “nasi lemak”, a popular dish of rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, which it serves with fried chicken. On the first day, it was sold out by 1.30 pm, said Rahim.
China’s national team have not qualified for a World Cup finals tournament since 2002, their sole appearance.

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