FIFA seeks AIFF explanation over Calcutta League match fixing

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Bengaluru, September: Football's global governing body (FIFA) has reportedly sought an explanation from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) about a possible case of match-fixing in the Calcutta Football League (CFL).

The explanation letter was sought by the Sportradar Integrity Service (SIS), a subsidiary match-fixing investigative agency of FIFA.

The alleged incident happened during the CFL tie between Tollygunge Aggrgami and Rainbow FC on August 25. Tollygunge had posted a 2-1 victory over Rainbow.

It is presumed that SIS had prior information that the game would end in such a scoreline, thus putting the CFL under match-fixing scanner.

In this context, it is worth mentioning that this is not the first case of a match-fixing related probe happening in India. It may be recalled that in 2010-2011, FIFA's integrity unit had raised severe doubts over alleged match-fixing during an I-League match featuring Goan giants Dempo against formidable Air India.

The Goan club then posted a resounding 8-0 win in the match which forced FIFA to seek an AIFF explanation and initiate a subsequent probe.

With India set to host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in less than a month's time, this is the last thing the organisers would have wanted as the country hopes to make a good impression in the global arena.