Often seen as one of the worst football systems in the world, Indian football has great difficulties as the nation’s position keeps declining. Unquestionably, athletes have potential, but a major issue is the widespread system corruption. Match-fixing and scandals involving recent years have been shockingly common, like the Delhi football scam last year. Now, Mizoram football is also tangled in these disturbing accounts, therefore compromising the integrity of the game.

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Match-fixing scandal breaks out in Mizoram football; 24 players, three clubs, three officials banned

In a shocking development, three clubs, 24 players and three club officials have been banned by the Mizoram Football Association (MFA) for alleged match-fixing in a recently-held competition in the state.

Three clubs — Sihphir Venghlun FC, FC Bethlehem, and Ramhlun Athletic FC — have been banned for three years along with three match officials for allegedly manipulating the outcome of matches in the Mizoram Premier League.

The MFA imposed life bans on two players, five-year bans on four players, three-year bans on 10 footballers, and one-year bans on eight men involved in the alleged corruption.

The three clubs are all part of the top state league and Sihphir finished among the top four, losing out in the semi-final to eventual winners Aizawl FC.

Seeking support from the football community in this challenging time, the MFA said, “We call upon football fans, partners, and the broader football community to stand with us as we address this challenging chapter.” The association admitted that the scandal could damage the league’s reputation and stressed its commitment to moving forward with transparency and integrity. 

(PTI)