The Mizoram Football Association (MFA) has banned 24 players, three clubs and three club officials for their alleged involvement in match-fixing during the eleventh season of the Mizoram Premier League (MPL). Sihphir Venghlun FC, FC Bethlehem and Ramhlun Athletic FC are the three clubs that have been handed a three-year ban from the MPL, “undermining the integrity” of the sport.

“It has come to the notice of the Mizoram Football Association, after inquiries with local law enforcement agencies, that certain clubs, officials and players of the recently concluded MPL-11 had engaged in corrupt acts, for which they were sanctioned after careful deliberations,” the national football body said in a statement.

The MFA imposed lifetime 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.

“These activities involving a few miscreants represent a serious violation of our values, undermine the integrity of our sport and disrespect the fans who passionately support Mizoram football,” read the MFA statement.

“Following these findings, we imposed severe sanctions on those involved.

“We also assure stakeholders that clubs found to be complicit in these activities will face sanctions affecting their participation in future competitions, and that players and officials involved will be subject to suspensions and other disciplinary measures deemed appropriate by the MFA,” he added in the statement. .

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

Seeking support from the football community during this difficult time, the MFA said: “We are calling on football fans, partners and the wider football community to support us as we approach this difficult chapter. »

The association admitted the scandal could harm the league’s reputation and stressed its commitment to moving forward with transparency and integrity.

With PTI inputs