East Bengal, a prominent Kolkata club, is set to endure penalties in the AIFF U-17 Youth League for the alleged use of an overage player. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to impose a minimum fine of Rs 60,000 on both the club and the player involved in the age-fudging controversy.
As the investigation unfolds, the AIFF is contemplating additional measures, including a potential four-year suspension for the player in question. However, the precise quantum of punishment is yet to be officially determined.
The controversy erupted after a complaint filed by rival team Mohun Bagan, following a decisive 0-4 defeat to East Bengal in the ‘junior Kolkata Derby’ held on December 16. The outcome of this case not only impacts the immediate standing of East Bengal in the current youth league but also raises questions about the integrity of age verification processes in Indian football.
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East Bengal’s U-17 Triumph Tainted: Dual Registrations and Age-Fudging Allegations Surface
The unfolding controversy surrounding East Bengal in the AIFF U-17 Youth League has taken a tumultuous turn, revealing a player’s dual registrations and allegations of age-fudging. The player in question participated in East Bengal’s tournament opener against Mohammedan SC on December 14, a match they won 3-2.
Currently leading Group B with 16 points from seven matches, East Bengal’s stellar performance is now overshadowed by accusations from rivals Mohun Bagan. The dispute originated after a 0-4 loss to East Bengal in the ‘junior Kolkata Derby’ on December 16, where the accused player was listed as an unused substitute.
Mohun Bagan alleges that East Bengal fielded a player who had previously played for them in the U-13 League in 2017-18 and had been part of the Calcutta Football League for various clubs. According to their claims, East Bengal harbors at least six overage players in their squad.
The controversy deepened as evidence was presented to the AIFF against the accused player, who had multiple registrations in the Central Registration System (CRS), a mandatory online database for players and clubs in organized football. Following an investigation, East Bengal took swift action, removing the player from the squad after the complaint, and he has not featured for the team since.
An AIFF insider confirmed that East Bengal will be penalized by forfeiting points earned in matches where the accused player participated.
“East Bengal will have to forfeit points they accrued in those matches where the player in question has played. The fate of the player is still pending though a suspension is likely to be levied upon him.”
The fate of the player, however, remains uncertain, with a likely suspension looming pending an official decision. As the AIFF continues its inquiry, the repercussions of this scandal cast a shadow over East Bengal’s otherwise successful campaign in the U-17 Youth League.
East Bengal Pledges Stricter Measures Following Age-Fudging Suspension
East Bengal, responding to communication from the federation regarding a player’s suspension for age-fudging, has committed to implementing more rigorous checking methods in the future. The club expressed frustration, stating that if a player submits forged documents, their options are limited.
A club director voiced concerns, saying, “If the player submits inaccurate documents that are widely accepted everywhere, then we don’t have any responsibility. All we can do is tighten our checking methods before registering any player.“
In light of the incident, East Bengal aims to fortify its processes to prevent future age-fraud accusations. This development comes as the 2023-24 edition of the Youth League, featuring 32 teams divided into eight groups, kicked off on December 13.
East Bengal FC Eyes Major Coup with Former AS Roma Forward Iago Falque
East Bengal FC is making waves in the Indian Super League (ISL) transfer market with reports suggesting a close deal for the signature of former AS Roma forward, Iago Falque.
As per Marcus Mergulhao of Times Of India, the Kolkata Giants are on the brink of finalizing the acquisition of the Spanish winger during the ongoing winter transfer window.
Falque, who kickstarted his youth career at Real Madrid before a stint with FC Barcelona, found his stride in Serie A, notably with Genoa, AS Roma, and Torino. Accumulating 177 appearances in the Italian top flight, he netted 48 goals and provided 25 assists. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he moved to Colombian club America de Cali, facing a setback due to a broken tibia.
