AIFF Suspends Executive Member Deepak Sharma for Alleged Assault on Women Footballers

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In a stern response to a distressing incident, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has suspended its executive member, Deepak Sharma, following reports of his alleged assault on two female footballers during the Indian Women's League-2 (IWL 2) in Goa.

The decision comes after the Goa Police filed a case against Sharma for physically assaulting two players from Khad FC. Sharma was later released on bail. Deepak Sharma has been suspended from participating in any football-related activities until further notice.

Deepak Sharma, also serving as the General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Football Association and the Deputy Chairman of AIFF's Competitions Committee, faced the heat as the AIFF took decisive steps in response to the gravity of the allegations.

In a press release issued by the AIFF, it was stated that "an Emergency Committee meeting was convened on April 1, 2024, to deliberate on the incident and complaints lodged against Mr. Sharma. Subsequently, an emergency Executive Committee meeting was scheduled for April 2, 2024, to determine the course of action".

Reacting to the situation, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey emphasised the organisation's commitment to fostering a safe and conducive environment for women's football. He asserted that the AIFF remains steadfast in its developmental efforts for women's football and will not allow isolated incidents to overshadow its objectives.

"The AIFF is determined to promote women's football in a safe and enabling environment and will take all necessary steps to ensure this," said Chaubey in the press release. "The incident in Goa during IWL 2, should not be amplified to undermine the AIFF's developmental efforts in women's football. The particular case has now been referred to the Disciplinary Committee and will be taken up emergently."

Meanwhile, the AIFF assured that necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety and support of the complainants, including facilitating their return to their hometowns.

The incident sparked outrage, drawing swift condemnation from various quarters, including the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur. Minister Thakur promptly ordered the AIFF to take stringent legal action against the accused.