The Mizoram Football Association had banned 25 players, three officials and three Mizoram Premier League clubs for match fixing, news that has had big repercussions in Meghalaya as nine of the players have or have had connections with three Shillong Premier League (SPL) 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 it is not known 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.
Sihphir Venghlun FC, FC Bethlehem and Ramhlun Athletic FC are the three teams that were handed bans by the Mizoram FC, 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.”
What all this might mean for the SPL is still to become clear. It will be very difficult for the Shillong Sports Association (organisers of the SPL) or the Meghalaya Football Association and the local clubs concerned to ignore this massive scandal.
It could well be that this 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 explained 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 being fixed,” he said. “One game they will lose badly and next suddenly spring a win to keep betting odds in control.”
If fans and sponsors are not convinced that everything is above board, they could abandon the marquee SPL. The Mizoram FA was quick to call on fans, sponsors and other stakeholders to continue to support the association and Mizoram football as it tries to come to grips with the problem. The football authorities in Meghalaya will also probably have to make a similar plea but will also have to demonstrate that strong action is being taken.
