AIFF launch inquiry after match commissioner casts doubt on Chennai City's win over Minerva Punjab

The Coimbatore-based side coasted past Ranjit Bajaj's outfit in their last fixture to lift their maiden I-League title.

The AIFF has reportedly kick-started an inquiry regarding the match-fixing allegations directed towards 2018-19 I-League's title-deciding clash between Chennai City and Minerva Punjab. The move has come after match commissioner Balasubramanaiam stated in his report that the match wasn't played in 'true spirit.'

According to PTI, an AIFF official stated, "The AIFF is looking into the matter and the federation’s integrity officer has already got down to work. Though, in the match commissioner’s report to the federation, nothing suspicious was mentioned."

In the clash against Minerva, CCFC were awarded a penalty, which Pedro Manzi scored to equalize for his side. The hosts went on to win 3-1. Although what came under light was that Manzi had pointed to the direction he scored, and the goalkeeper dived to the other side. Also Minerva's substitutions baffled many, as they took out their key foreigners.

Title rivals East Bengal went on to beat Gokulam Kerala, but a win for Chennai meant that they pipped the Red and Gold Brigade to the trophy.

According to PTI, the match commissioner's report stated, "After thorough discussion and observation, self and RA appointed for the above subjected game in our opinion like to bring to your kind notice that the penultimate match played between CCFC and MPFC in Coimbatore on 9.3.2019 was not played in true spirit."

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It also claimed, "Incidents evidently provide us proof at 56 minute the player taking the penalty, J No 19 (Pedro Manzi) of CCFC had shown him with his gesture, which side he is going to kick. The goalkeeper dived the other way. J No 17 (Roland Bilala) of MPFC was being substituted at 53 min at that time the team was leading by a goal scored by him at 3 minute and it surprised the player himself since he was displaying good attacking football."

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Furthermore, it mentioned, "Jersey No 10 (Juan Quero) of MPFC was substituted at 76 minute on which he was also annoyed and showed annoyance when he came to his technical area, since he was displaying good attacking game. Shri Ranjit Bajaj, Team Manager throughout the game was very quite which is very opposite to his nature throughout the Championship."

This news comes following seven I-League clubs' withdrawal from the Super Cup, which includes Minerva Punjab, East Bengal, and Mohun Bagan. Also, Minerva owner Bajaj has denied these allegations aimed at his club and Chennai City.