Match –fixing arrests rocks Nepali football

Nepali football has been rocked by a sensational match- fixing scandal involving   current national players and a coach, following Nepal Police crack down.

I was truly saddened, devastated to learn about the news.  I have to admit here that I pretty much struggled to come to grips with what happened.

It is the height of sheer stupidity. What more can I say?  I hate to say it; they have brought shame and disgrace upon the country. And at the same time brought ruin to themselves.

Yet   another damaging blow to All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) led by the most corrupt, incompetent and shameless Ganesh Thapa. This is another skeleton in his closet.

Without an iota of doubt, by far, this is the biggest and most serious scandal   in the sport history of Nepal.

Nepal Police busted an alleged match-fixing ring and have detained prominent names including Sagar Thapa skipper of the national football team of Nepal.

They are alleged to have been involved in match- fixing both nationally and internationally.

Personally, it is hard to believe that names like Sagar Thapa, Sandip Rai, Ritesh Thapa, Bikash Singh, Chettri   and coach Anjan K.C were and are involved in the nefarious business.

Nepal Police has done a terrific job in investigating the matter and making arrests.  This is only the beginning of their investigation.

There has to be a thorough and proper investigation, and it is very important for the police to get to the bottom of the case.

 I might be wrong, but it is possible that more players, officials and clubs are involved in the match-fixing scandal that is so damaging to Nepal football’s image

We the people deserve to know the entire truth about the scandal that might be much bigger than we think.

In all likelihood, the police maybe subjected to severe political pressure to drop the charges against the suspects.

The police should not forget that they have a core responsibility and must not buckle under any pressure.

Forgetting not that match -fixing is not only immoral but an illegal activity that must be stopped at all cost. All facts will come out only through proper investigation.

As a matter of fact news of match -fixing   in Nepal’s domestic league made the rounds several years back. Disgustingly, ANFA not only snubbed the reports but also failed to launch an internal investigation.

One report suggests that ANFA Chief knew about the latest match-fixing scandal before the 2011 SAFF Championship in India when Nepal played a series of international friendlies, however, he chose to turn a blind eye to it.

If the news is true, Mr. Thapa should have given them stern reprimand warnings about the dire consequences then.  In my estimation, he probably took undue advantage of the circumstance and bought their loyalty to him in exchange.

I am purely speculating here but there is some truth to it. These players have always remained loyal to Mr. Thapa, and we never heard one complaint made against him, over the years.

Much as we believe, by hiding the truth and sitting on, makes Mr. Thapa culpable.  I will tell you one thing, he has made these players the proverbial sacrificial lamb.

It is hoped that a clear and solid picture will emerge after Nepal Police press conference.

The accused must not hide anything and make   complete and truthful disclosure, even if it means naming    players, officials (ANFA  & Clubs), and coaches   involved in match-fixing scandal.

 There is no end to controversies and scandals in Nepali football. And all this has happened before right under Mr. Thapa’s nose, and this will happen again.

Hey Nepal government, hey FIFA, hey AFC, here is your man (Mr. Thapa) digging   a grave for Nepali football and footballers.  What a travesty!

It is time for fans to rise up and overthrow  Mr. Thapa and his gang of cronies.