I-League Integrity at Risk: AIFF Investigates Approaches for Match Manipulation Targeting Players

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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced an investigation into multiple approaches made to I-League players for "match manipulation." AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, without specifying details, emphasized the organization's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the game.

The AIFF is determined to thoroughly examine the incidents, identify those involved, and take necessary actions to preserve the sanctity of football.

Chaubey acknowledged receiving information about several players being approached but refrained from disclosing specifics such as the identity of players, the method of approach, or the individuals behind it. Nevertheless, he asserted that the federation will leave no stone unturned in addressing the issue.

The 2023 I-League season commenced in October, with more than 40 matches already played among the 13 participating teams.

In response to these incidents, the AIFF intends to bolster its institutional capacities to counter threats effectively. Additionally, the federation plans to educate players and officials on recognizing, responding to, and reporting any attempts at match manipulation.

The AIFF expressed a strong commitment to upholding a zero-tolerance policy towards activities that compromise the integrity of its competitions or tarnish the image of football.

This is not the first instance of match-fixing concerns in Indian football. In 2018, the AIFF was officially investigating match-fixing approaches made to players from the Minerva Punjab Football Club during the I-League.

In November of the previous year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a preliminary inquiry into alleged match-fixing in football matches across the country. The CBI collected documents from the AIFF regarding several Indian football clubs, with a focus on the role of an alleged match fixer based in Singapore, suspected of manipulating match outcomes.

The AIFF's commitment to preventing corrupt practices and preserving football's values is reiterated in its announcement. The federation asserts its determination to take every possible step to counteract corrupt activities and maintain the integrity of the sport.