AIFF begins investigation after Minerva Punjab FC report fixing approaches in I-League

Photo: Twitter

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said that it was investigating the match-fixing approaches made to players from the Minerva Punjab Football Club during the ongoing I-League. The Club owner Ranjit Bajaj had earlier revealed that several of his players were approached by bookies for match-fixing.

"We have received a letter from Minerva Punjab Football Club highlighting approach to their players and officials from other participating teams in the Hero I-League. The case is presently being handled by AIFF Integrity officer who is doing a thorough investigation into the matter and necessary action will be taken as per the regulations," the AIFF said in a statement.

The unnamed players were offered Rs 30 lakh in each case. One of the player is Indian while the other is a foreigner according to Bajaj. "2 of my players came to me with screenshots of match-fixing offers of 30 lakhs/I reported it to Aiff integrity officer&also AFC thru their integrity app/really hope these unscrupulous elements are not successful in getting thru2other players and match officials @ILeagueOfficial," Bajaj had tweeted in January.

Later in the month of January, Bajaj again wrote on social media that another five of his players were asked to fix matches in the I-League, taking the numbers to seven.