The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday began an investigation throughout the nation’s cities to get to the bottom of the match-fixing threat with the assistance of government agencies. The probe followed claims of betting and match-fixing that surfaced in the Delhi Premier League.
In a Delhi league match on Monday, Ahbab FC, which was leading 4-0, gave up two suspicious-looking own goals late in the game against Rangers FC. The manner of the goals raised suspicions of betting and match-fixing. Ahbab FC prevailed 4-2 in the match.
After the two own goals were captured on camera and went viral, the AIFF summoned Football Delhi CEO Anuj Gupta on Tuesday to ask about the suspicious match and gave him a notice. In order to conduct an investigation and identify the source of the betting syndicate, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey on Tuesday announced that he would contact the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
“Our investigation will not be limited to Delhi. We have reasons to believe through evidences, such practice in other cities too. We will form a wider network for our investigations,” Chaubey said in a release from the AIFF.
Regarding the particular accusations concerning the Delhi game, the national federation stated, “
The AIFF today served an email notice to Delhi Soccer Association. In the notice, AIFF demanded clarification on the incident in the Delhi Premier League.
“AIFF officials led by its President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey held an emergency meeting today. DSA President Anuj Gupta was summoned to seek details of the incident and host association’s stand on the issue.”
Chaubey said the AIFF would not limit its investigation to just one match. “Several incremental evidences have been found which cast serious doubts on the entire league,” he said.
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