Shillong, Nov 10: Ryntih FC have terminated the contract with one of their players based on “strong suspicions” that the person concerned was involved in corruption (which suggests match fixing), the club announced on social media last night.
The team didn’t name the player but said that his contract has been terminated after careful consideration and with immediate effect.
Ryntih lost to Shillong Lajong FC 3-0 in the Shillong Premier League yesterday evening, their third defeat in four games this season. This follows from a poor SPL 2023 where they won only twice.
The club said that its decision to sack the player came after the loss to Lajong but it doesn’t explicitly state that he was involved in the match directly. (We have still included their team sheet below for information.)
The Ryntih statement did say that the club has always upheld the integrity, values and spirit of football; has an unwavering commitment to fair play, transparency and respect for the rules; and is dedicated to promoting a clean and competitive environment. “We will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation,” it added.
However, the club has remained silent on this past week’s news that two of its former players have been banned by the Mizoram Football Association (and subsequently debarred by the Meghalaya FA) on suspicion of match fixing. Indeed, neither of the two other Shillong-based clubs to have their current and former players banned – Nangkiew Irat SC and Nongthymmai SC – have made a public statement on the issue either.
It was either a massive coincidence or a conspiracy that the three local clubs that had the alleged match fixers had received investment from outside sponsors/investors for SPL 2023 and fielded teams largely comprising of underperforming non-locals. Despite all this investment they were three of the lowest-ranked clubs in SPL 2023.
It smelled fishy then and most (but not all) of the non-locals have departed for SPL 2024. But the fear is that the match fixing puppet masters will simply utilise local players for their nefarious purposes and that will make the corruption harder to uncover.
Ryntih FC team sheet vs Shillong Lajong FC
Playing XI: Luckystar Lawai (GK), Dawanplielad Myrchiang, Andy Z Mawthoh, Maxy Warjri, Damonlang Pathaw, Banteilang Lyngdoh, Basuklang Bina, Mangkara Sambor Sun, Allen C Lyngdoh Nongbri (C), Dameki Khongstia, Wanshanlang Dkhar
Substitutes: Leonardo Laloo, Habymmutshuh Nongrum, Steven C Nongphlang, Preciousland Kharbhih, Derick Khongsit, Eric Nongkhlaw (GK), Leversharp Manik Syiemlieh
Non-playing players: Melvin Warjri, Longjam Lamyanba Meitei, Yami Longvah, Reuben Letkhotinchon, Frolicson Dkhar (GK), Ngulgoulal Singsit, Russel C Lyngdoh, Mebankhraw Wahlang
(File photo)
