Goa Football Association Bans Five Mizo Players Amid Match-Fixing Scandal

In a continuation of the crackdown on match-fixing, the Goa Football Association (GFA) has imposed lifetime bans on five players from Mizoram, just days after the Mizoram Football Association (MFA) took similar action against 24 players for alleged involvement in match-fixing activities.

The players affected by the GFA’s decision include Lalnunzama, Lalnunsiama, Lalawmpuia, Flavius Lalruatkima, and L. Lotha, who will no longer be allowed to participate in any football activities. Among them, Lalnunzama and Lalnunsiama had active contracts with Vasco Sports Club for the upcoming Goa Professional League season. Both were also associated with teams in the Mizoram Premier League, with Lalnunzama playing for Chanmari FC and Lalnunsiama for Betlehem FC, before the MFA’s enforcement of bans earlier this week.

The GFA took prompt action after the players’ names surfaced on the MFA’s list, underscoring the association’s commitment to maintaining fair play across leagues. The MFA’s Honorary Secretary, Lalrengpuia, shed light on the unfolding scandal, disclosing that Lalnunzama had introduced match-fixers into the Mizoram Premier League, an act that triggered increased scrutiny. His request for a transfer in August raised further suspicions.

“There were four Mizoram Premier League clubs with external investors,” Lalrengpuia stated. “We later discovered these investors were likely from the same group, which heightened our suspicions.”

Following a tip-off from a whistleblower, the MFA held an integrity workshop to educate players on identifying and resisting match-fixing attempts. As players came forward with information, the MFA collaborated with police, and findings from the investigation paved the way for action against those implicated.

The dual actions by the Mizoram and Goa Football Associations reflect a growing intolerance for match-fixing in Indian football, as both organizations work to uphold integrity within the sport.