Some of Vietnam's best-known players are in the dock

They are accused of taking bribes from bookmakers to ensure they won a semi-final match against Burma by 1-0.

The scandal is one of several to have hit Vietnamese football.

The players could face a lengthy jail sentence if found guilty of the charge of organised gambling. The trial is due to end on Friday.

Hundreds of reporters, relatives and fans descended on the court in Ho Chi Minh city to hear the details of the case.

'Strong measures'

The defendants include popular striker Pham Van Quyen and midfielder Le Quoc Vuong, as well as former Saigon Port club player Truong Tan Hai.

Star striker Pham Van Quyen is among those accused

They and the other players are accused of taking some 20 million dong (US$1,300) to make sure no more than one goal was scored against underdogs Burma at the games in Manila in December 2005.

Gambling is widespread in Vietnam, despite being banned, and millions of dollars often change hands during football matches.

More than 20 referees, coaches and officials were facing charges of match-fixing even before the arrests of the players now on trial.

Vietnamese football officials hope the trial will serve as a warning to others.

"We need to have strong measures to cleanse our soccer, particularly the vices of match-fixing and gambling," Vu Quang Vinh, vice president of the Vietnam Football Federation, was quoted as saying.