Major Match-Fixing Scandal Rocks Mizoram Football: 24 Players, 3 Clubs, and 3 Officials Face Bans

Often seen as one of worst football systems in world, Indian football has great difficulties as nation's position keeps declining. Unquestionably, athletes have potential, but a major issue is widespread system corruption. Match-fixing and scandals involving recent years have been shockingly common, like Delhi football scam last year. w, Mizoram football is also tangled in se disturbing accounts, refore compromising integrity of 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 Mizoram Football Association (MFA) for alleged match-fixing in a recently-held competition in 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 outcome of matches in Mizoram Premier League.

"It has come to tice of Mizoram Football Association, after investigations with local law enforcement ncies that certain clubs, officials and players in recently concluded MPL-11 had indulged in acts of corruption, for which y have been penalised after careful deliberations," state football body said in a statement.

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 alleged corruption.

"se activities involving a few miscreants represent a severe breach of our values, undermine integrity of our sport and disrespect fans who passionately support Mizoram Football," read MFA statement.

"As a consequence of se findings we have imposed strict penalties on those involved.

"We also assure stakeholders that clubs found to be complicit in se activities will face sanctions affecting ir participation in future competitions, and players and officials implicated will be subject to suspensions and or disciplinary measures deemed appropriate by MFA," it added in statement.

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

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

(PTI)