Last update:04 November 2024, 11:38 p.m. IST

Sihphir Venghlun FC, FC Bethlehem and Ramhlun Athletic FC have been suspended for three years, along with three match officials.

The association admitted the scandal could harm the league’s reputation.

In a shocking development, three clubs, 24 players and three club officials have been banned by the Mizoram Football Association (MFA) over allegations of match-fixing during a recently organized 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 Mizoram Premier League matches.

“Following inquiries with local law enforcement, the Mizoram Football Association was informed that some clubs, officials and players in 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 have imposed strict 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.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)