Published 15:39 IST, January 20th 2024

'It’s a huge statement I am making but THIS LEAGUE is FIXED': ISL team owner makes massive claim

ISL team Minerva Punjab FC owner Ranjit Bajaj, who owns Delhi FC, makes big claim of the Delhi Senior Premier League being fixed after a controversial incident.

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Delhi Football | Image: X/Ranjit Bajaj
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In a surprising disclosure, Ranjit Bajaj, famous football administrator and owner of Minerva Punjab FC, has sparked a firestorm of controversy by suggesting that match-fixing plagues Indian state competitions, tably Delhi Senior Premier League. Bajaj's accusations follow a fiercely contested encounter between Sudeva Delhi FC and Delhi FC on January 2nd, 2024, which ended in a draw when Sudeva won a penalty in extra time and successfully equalized after Delhi FC took lead in first half. 

Ranjit Bajaj targets ‌ISL referees while calling state leagues fixed mentions Delhi Senior Premier League

Indian football is developing slowly, but at pace it is currently growing, it might take several decades to get to a competitive level and possibly rank in top 10 Asian teams. This expansion is impeded by absence of a clear structure, thus state leagues serve as main venue for young and aspirational people to display ir abilities. Bajaj does, however, express reservations over state leagues' current trajectory and necessity for strategic changes in that area.

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Taking to Twitter, Bajaj expressed his concerns, stating, 

"This is what ISL referees & ISL linesman do in state leagues & n y are again given ISL matches - re is accountability or transparency in any league in India - can’t believe how that can be a penalty 94th minute - it’s a huge statement I am making but DELHI SENIOR PREMIER league is fixed & main sponsor is DAFA bet for Delhi football association - point playing in fixed leagues; it’s actively participating in killing game - every game in league has atrocious decisions one cares @IndianFootball."

In addition to his claims of match-fixing, Ranjit Bajaj explicitly named referees involved in controversial match in lower corner of video he posted. Centre Referee Aditya Purkayashta and or referees Kuldeep Singh Tariyal and Rohit Pandey have been brought into spotlight. Bajaj wants a thorough investigation into match's officiating.

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Bajaj's allegations shed light on what he perceives as a lack of accountability and transparency in Indian football league system. Bajaj said that having DAFA bet as main sponsor for Delhi Senior Premier League raises eyebrows, questioning integrity of league. serious accusation of match-fixing strikes at heart of sport, demanding urgent attention from football authorities.

controversial penalty awarded in 94th minute of Sudeva Delhi FC vs. Delhi FC match has become a focal point in Bajaj's argument. His claim that such decisions are actively harming essence of game and contributing to its demise is a strong statement that cant be igred.

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As Ranjit Bajaj continues to champion cause of fair play and transparency in Indian football, his allegations have ignited a crucial conversation about state of football leagues in country. It remains to be seen how football authorities will respond to se claims and what steps will be taken to ensure integrity of sport at all levels.

14:29 IST, January 19th 2024