Following the distressing incident during the Indian Women’s League tournament in Goa, where two female footballers were physically assaulted by a member of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, has directed the AIFF to take stringent legal action against the accused, Deepak Sharma, an executive committee member of AIFF.
Expressing concern over the alleged assault on female footballers by an AIFF official, the Union Minister emphasized the Ministry of Sports’ commitment to the safety and security of players. He underscored the Ministry’s directive to the AIFF to promptly address the matter and ensure the well-being of women athletes.
In response to the incident, the Ministry urged the AIFF to take decisive legal measures and promptly report back on the actions taken. The accused, Deepak Sharma, holds positions in the Himachal Pradesh Football Association and AIFF’s competitions committee.
The victims, members of the India Women’s League 2 club Khad FC, lodged a complaint after the assault, prompting intervention from authorities. The accused allegedly became aggressive when the players returned to their hotel rooms after dinner, assaulting them over trivial matters.
The players further alleged that the accused regularly exhibited intoxicated behaviour and consumed alcohol in front of them, raising concerns for their safety. Following the complaint, the Goa Football Association (GFA) assured the players of their safety, reaffirming their commitment to player welfare.
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