KATHMANDU, Feb 27: All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has banned Saraswati Youth Club captain Dipesh Shrestha for breaching the rules of the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League.
In a verdict passed on Wednesday, skipper Shrestha was found guilty of breaching the rule no. 21(7) of ANFA Rules and Regulations and has been banned from football activities for two years. Similarly, Himalayan Sherpa Football Club’s manager Vijendra Pudasaini is also restricted from participating in any football activities for three months.
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Both have been accused of match-fixing after Saraswati defeated Himalayan Sherpa 4-3 during a league match. It was Saraswati’s first and only win of the league despite remaining at the bottom of the league throughout the season and eventually getting relegated. Armed Police Force coach Rajendra Tamang had openly criticized the result and accused both teams of fixing the match.
ANFA had formed a committee led by an integrity officer to investigate the matter. Based on the final investigation reports, the accused players were reprimanded for breaking the rules.
Both, Shrestha and Pudasaini, have been sanctioned with multiple fines as well. Shrestha has been slammed with Rs 50,000 fine whereas Pudsaini has been fined Rs 30,000. The ban period will start from Wednesday.
Likewise, Himalayan Sherpa’s coach and goal-keeper Min Bahadur Basnet was warned but no action was taken against him. The football club finished 10th in the league.
Machhindra Football Club are the reigning champions of Nepal’s top division league.
