Ganesh Thapa is Sepp Blatter of Nepal Football

By all indications, attempts are being made to   toss   the disgraceful, unfortunate match-fixing scandal that hit Nepal football behind the back burner by the All Nepal Football Association and some unseen forces.

Since the arrest of four players and a coach for their alleged involvement in the match- fixing scam, things have somewhat slowed down when it comes to making more arrests by the police.

Not much progress has been made between then and now in terms of further breakthrough in the scandal.

The well-respected and high- profile SSP Sarbendra Khanal, spearheading the investigation had assured the public that he would do whatever it takes to arrest all those found guilty of match-fixing.

More recently, speaking to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Mr. Khanal reiterated the sentiment and made it very clear that he was dedicated to doing the right thing, even if that meant making some tough decisions.

The big question is, whether he can accomplish what he hopes to amidst mounting political pressure from all quarters.

As per police information, there are more players and officials of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)/clubs involved in the match-fixing scandal.

There have been no police briefings about the updates in the case. They are yet to question ANFA officials, including President Ganesh Thapa who has gone under ground since the scandal broke.

 I don’t understand the delay by police in quizzing officials and making new arrests.

Police sources also revealed that one of the ANFA officials associated with the match-fixing is in the US. I see no harm in making the name public; after all, the police have made much of the disclosure about the scandal already.

As I write, police have   released the name of former national team physiotherapist Dejib Thapa, suspected of match-fixing.

Mr. Thapa currently in the US has vehemently denied the allegations and claims he is innocent. He says the charges are baseless and have been fabricated against him.

Simply decrying the charges and proclaiming his innocence does not make Mr. Thapa innocent.

Mr. Thapa   must furnish concrete evidences to demonstrate his innocence, and he should   waste no time in taking legal action against the accusers for falsely charging him of match-fixing and fight extradition.

The Police   had earlier said that officials of ANFA were/are not cooperating with their investigation.

 It is ludicrous to hear the police make such a statement. They have the jurisdiction, authority to get them   to cooperate.  

What holds them back from not doing so?  I don’t know. The truth of the matter is, they can if they seriously want to?

Also I strongly feel the police should  raid   the office of ANFA to search for evidences of the fixing scam and other similar cases.

ANFA CEO Indra Man Tuladhar, one of the stooges of   ANFA Chief   Mr. Thapa, keeps lying to us. 

Remember, he said ANFA would fully cooperate with the police and   appeal to AFC against the age fraud. He and his team are proven liars.

The role of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is of crucial importance to ensure the integrity and fairness of the match-fixing investigation. Otherwise, chances are, the case will fizzle out and thrown out eventually.

“Khelkud Live “, sports portal has reported about the recent appointment of former APF DIG Madhav Thapa as Integrity officer by ANFA.

AFC had advised ANFA to appoint   Integrity Officer   for the sole purpose   of match –fixing and how to prevent it. ANFA, however, lied to the AFC   by delaying the appointment according to   the report.

Mr. Thapa confirmed the news of his appointment, offered by ANFA secretary Dhirendra Pradhan not too long ago.  He admitted not knowing anything about his responsibilities because ANFA has kept him in the dark  to date adds the report.

As President of ANFA, Mr. Ganesh Thapa has a moral obligation to address the scandals.  Instead he has shamelessly, irresponsibly maintained complete and utter silence, so far. His silence speaks volumes.

The mainstream media seems uninterested to track down his whereabouts, let alone holding him responsible and accountable. They continue to play a defensive game dealing with the tyrant.

The disgusting, shameless, nauseating bureaucrats running the Sports Ministry, National Sports Council (NSC) and Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) have minced no words in condemning the incompetency, irresponsibility of   Mr. Thapa.

They have put their own self-interests firmly above national interests   and shockingly remained tight-lipped despite   pathetic leadership, maladministration, corruption, scandals, frauds and controversies in ANFA.

They care less about the battered, tarnished image of Nepal and are only interested in achieving their selfish interests.

Their failure to act against him further proves Mr. Thapa is above the rule. What a pity?

NSC has sought clarification from ANFA on match-fixing and over- age fiascoes, only after it received a letter and   memorandum of protest against ANFA’s repeated   wrong doings from  “Save Nepal Football “ Group.          

Apparently, under pressure from the group, NSC had no choice but to act.  I have absolutely no faith in NSC, Member Secretary Keshav Kumar Bista who is after all a political hack.  

There is no reason for euphoria. Believe me, he will do nothing more. I just hope he proves me wrong.

“Save Nepal Football” Group must continue to knock on the doors of FIFA and AFC and take the help of international media to further their cause.