Khel Now unearths grave match-fixing accusations in I-league 2nd Division!

Khel Now has in its possession a letter written to the AIFF which accuses two clubs of match-fixing attempts.

The I-league 2nd Division is currently reeling from an unsavoury turn of events. A letter, in possession of Khel Now, has been written by a club to the AIFF accusing two participants of attempt to fix matches. The letter indicates at the offence, quoting statements from two officials from two well-known clubs, including one from the Indian Super League fraternity.

Southern outfit Fateh Hyderabad AFC have sent a letter to the All India Football Federation, ‘stating’ fishy results in both FC Kerala vs Kerala Blasters encounters. In the letter, the club clearly states that the players communicated the same and attribute it with ‘whispers and rumours in cases like this, start circulating amongst the players first’.

FC Kerala had won 3-2 away at Kerala Blasters, scoring three late second half goals. At home, Kerala Blasters surprisingly rested some of their best players, losing the game 5-1. This victory helped FC Kerala topple Fateh on goal difference by exactly one, as stated in the letter.

The letter has been sent to the AIFF by Fateh Hyderabad AFC

The letter reveals a conversation between the Kerala Blasters manager and Fateh Hyderabad team analyst after a game between the two sides. The Blasters' manager said to the analyst, “I think you will win easily against FC Kerala. We took it easy against them. We did not play like we normally do.”

This part of the letter suggests wrong-doing. Why would a team underperform against a side? Why would THEY take it ‘easy’? Also hints at match-fixing. 

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After a meeting prior to Hyderabad’s home game against FC Kerala, the away side’s manager pulled aside the General Manager of Fateh Hyderabad and said, “We have three of our players injured. The last game holds no significance for you, while we have a chance to qualify. Please take it easy in this game. Don’t play hard. Let us go through (i.e. let us win). You help us out now. We will help you later.”

The letter adds that the Match Commissioner was present when the conversation happened and suspected something fishy. The manager, hints and requests the opposition to underperform on the pitch in return of ‘we will help you later’.

If proven, Khel Now condemns such acts that abrogate the rules of the game. At any level, the game should be played in the best spirit, with honest efforts from both sides to win. The club has requested the AIFF to investigate the matter and Khel Now will continue to look into the same.

Khel Now contacted the AIFF on the issue and a reply is awaited. 

*Article updated at 4:00 PM IST on Tuesday, May 28.