Match-fixing suspicion in Bengaluru football league, association seeks police probe
The football association raised the complaint after observing a recurring pattern on betting sites and the police began a preliminary inquiry.
A complaint was lodged due to a recurring pattern observed on betting sites, raising suspicions of player involvement in match-fixing. (File Image) The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru city police has initiated a preliminary inquiry into alleged match-fixing during the ongoing Bangalore Super Division League after it received a complaint from the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA).
A complaint was lodged due to a recurring pattern observed on betting sites, raising suspicions of player involvement in match-fixing. KSFA officials submitted a letter to the Bengaluru city police commissioner, prompting the CCB to take up the case.
A CCB official confirmed the receipt of the complaint, explaining that while no formal case has been filed yet, a preliminary inquiry is underway. This step is essential, given the involvement of various stakeholders. Basic details and case-related documents are being collected, and experts are conducting a thorough analysis of match footage. If any unusual activities or substantial evidence implicating specific clubs are discovered, an official FIR will be filed, leading to a comprehensive investigation, said the CCB official.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president N A Haris said they received information from the United Kingdom and Singapore over the phone which led them to seek a police probe. “We do not know whether there was match-fixing or not. We want to protect the interests of the sport and these kinds of illegal activities will not be tolerated. Let the police investigate further and see what comes out,” he said.
However, this is not the first time such suspicion has been raised. In 2021, a suspicious call seeking information about matches was reported by a club official, leading to an internal probe.
A club official who spoke to The Indian Express anonymously said nothing has come out of the investigations in the past.
There are several betting applications and sites. When there is betting, there is a threat of bookies and fixers who try to influence the matches. It is a serious concern,” the official added.
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