Exposing the Alleged Scandal in Indian Football: A Dark Chapter in the South Asian Football

Indian Football is still in its developing stage and many believe that it is not improving, not because of the lack of talent in the country but the control of football being with the people in administration roles.  Well, fans are aware of the mega match-fixing in several State Leagues of India especially the Delhi Premier League that was allegedly questioned the most and was brought to light earlier in 2024. However, it seems the pioneers of corruption and wrongdoings are still actively working in Indian football. 

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The Scandal Surrounding Maidul Islam: A Dark Chapter in South Asian Football

Allegations of unethical behaviour around the well-known Bangladeshi team Arambagh KS shocked the world of South Asian football in mid-2021. Allegedly engaged in web gambling, betting, and match-fixing, reports from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) exposed players and officials were implicated. This alarming revelation spurred research by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

Using its investigation, the BFF validated these conclusions and revealed a network of participation including not only the players but also important club administrators. According to the reports and inputs from Chak de Football, among those banned was Indian fitness trainer Maidul Islam, who was allegedly barred for lifetime from any football-related events. 

"Former fitness trainer and Indian citizen Mr. Maidul Islam Sheikh has been banned for life from all activities related to football," said an official letter from the BFF.

Maidul's problems don't stop there. Reportedly, he ran afoul of the law in 2014 when a case on defrauding and criminal breach of trust was allegedly filed against him at the Arambagh Police Station. These accusations throw a lengthy shadow over his professional behaviour and due to this Indian football supporters call attention to the local football government.

The consequences of the affair have been broad. Apart from Maidul, numerous players were allegedly punished for their participation. Nigerian Christopher Chizoba was banned for two years. Surprisingly, Chizoba found a new club in India despite his suspension, which led the BFF to petition to FIFA about applying his ban globally. FIFA maintained the demand, therefore guaranteeing Chizoba will be banned from football events until September 2023.

The fact that Maidul Islam still keeps working in football despite his lifelong ban is perhaps the most confusing thing. According to current records, he purportedly works for Garhwal Heroes Football Club in India as a goalkeeping coach. This disclosure begs major questions about the management and execution of bans imposed by the authorities of football. 

The continuous narrative has spurred debates about the moral character of South Asian football administration. Stronger rules and monitoring systems are demanded by stakeholders, supporters, and analysts more and more to guarantee that those involved in crises are held responsible and stopped from pursuing careers in the sport.