New Delhi: In a stunning blow to the Mizoram Premier League, the Mizoram Football Association (MFA) has imposed bans on three clubs, 24 players, and three club officials amid serious match-fixing allegations. Among the banned players included the league’s top scorer Felix Lalruatsanga of Ramhlun Athletico FC who had netted eight goals.
Sihphir Venghlun FC, FC Bethlehem, and Ramhlun Athletic FC are the three clubs that have been banned for three years along with the three officials who were involved in manipulating the outcome of the matches in the Mizoram Premier League.
🚨Mizoram football association takes big action
– Three clubs, twenty-five players banned for match fixing
– Match fixing happened in Mizoram premier league
– Lalnunzama (Chanmari FC) and Lironthung Lotha (FC Bethlehem) received lifetime bans pic.twitter.com/XWcJXln4Fl— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) November 5, 2024
The statement released by the state football body read, “It has come to the notice of the Mizoram Football Association, after investigations with local law enforcement agencies that certain clubs, officials, and players in the recently concluded MPL-11 had indulged in acts of corruption, for which they have been penalized after careful deliberations.”
The Mizoram Football Association has described the actions of those involved as a significant violation of their core values, stating that such conduct not only compromises the sport’s integrity but also disrespects the fans who ardently support football in Mizoram. As a result, the MFA announced severe penalties for those implicated.
The Association has imposed a lifetime ban on two players, a four-year ban on four pliers, three-year bans on 10 footballers, and a one-year ban on eight men involved in the corruption.
The MFA has also assured all stakeholders that the clubs found guilty of complicity will face strict sanctions, potentially impacting their eligibility for future tournaments. Players and officials involved will face suspensions and other disciplinary actions as deemed necessary by the MFA.
The three clubs involved in the act are all part of the top state league and Sihphir even finished among the top four losing out in the semi-final to eventual winners Aizwal FC.
MFA seeks support from the football community and 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 so MFA stressed its commitment to move forward with transparency and integrity.
