Shillong, Nov 5: Yesterday’s news that the Mizoram Football Association had banned 25 players, three officials and three Mizoram Premier League clubs for match fixing has repercussions here in Meghalaya as nine of the players have, or have had, connections with three Shillong Premier League clubs.
Two of those – Flavius Lalruatkima and C Vanlalhriata – are currently registered with Nangkiew Irat SC in the ongoing SPL 2024. Another five – L Lotha, Chandra Tamang, C Seilenlal Mate (all Nongthymmai SC), Felix Lalruatsanga (Nangkiew Irat) and K Lalrosanga (Ryntih FC) – played in SPL 2023 (which was held earlier this year). Two others – Lalnunzama (Ryntih) and Rony C Lalenkima (Nongthymmai) – are shown on the All India Football Federation website as having been registered to two local clubs, though TSR does not know when.
The players have received bans of varying duration but Lotha and Lalnunzama have been barred from all football-related activities in Mizoram for life. As of now there is no indication that these players were ever involved in match fixing in Meghalaya.
Sihphir Venghlun FC, FC Bethlehem and Ramhlun Athletic FC are the three teams that were handed bans, preventing them from getting involved in any football related activities for three years.
“Through diligent investigation including support and cooperation from local law enforcement agencies, the MFA has uncovered cases of corruption in the form of match manipulation in the recently concluded Mizoram Premier League 11,” the Mizoram FA said in a statement yesterday. “These activities, involving a few miscreants however represent a severe breach of our values, undermine the integrity of the sport, and disrespect the fans who passionately support Mizoram football.”
TSR has had doubts about SPL matches, teams and players going back years but this is the first time that names have been named and the Mizoram FA has to be applauded for tackling the issue and not sweeping it under the carpet. Now it remains to be seen what action the Shillong Sports Association (organisers of the SPL), Meghalaya Football Association and the local clubs concerned take.
Sadly, this probably just scratches the surface of corruption in football in Shillong and the rot could extend much deeper with many more players involved, past and present.
One person well-versed with domestic Indian football told TSR that one of the red flags for local leagues is when teams have more outside players than average. “That is an indicator of a team fixing,” he said. “One game they will lose badly and next suddenly spring a win to keep betting odds in control.”
But to have footballers from three of the top tier clubs potentially fixing games is too awful to contemplate. It would be a complete betrayal of the fans and steps have to be taken to combat it. The local governing bodies cannot afford to let this slide and they must be more proactive.
No one, including TSR, wants to endure a hot summer’s day, rainy weather or a cold winter’s evening to watch football in dingy Polo if the result has already been rigged beforehand. Fans will vote by not coming for SPL matches and sponsors won’t want to associate with a tainted competition and then all the good work being done to build up the league will be wasted.
(File photo of Felix Lalruatsanga (right), one of the players banned by the Mizoram Football Association)
