“I was also shocked to see my name… I will fight for it” – Lironthung
Nagaland football player Lironthung Lotha, recently banned for life by the Mizoram Football Association (MFA) over alleged match-fixing, has contested the decision, citing procedural flaws and lack of communication. The MFA imposed the ban after investigating match manipulation in the Mizoram Premier League’s 11th season, reportedly with assistance from law enforcement agencies.
Talking to MT, Lotha expressed shock at the ban, saying, “I was also shocked to see my name among the players banned for life in Mizoram.”
According to Lotha, the ban was imposed without any prior contact or meeting. “They did not inform me of anything,” he added.
On November 5, the MFA issued a statement declaring, “Through diligent investigation, including support from local law enforcement agencies, the MFA has uncovered cases of corruption in the form of match manipulation in the recently concluded Mizoram Premier League-11.”
“I also want to know why they banned me for life in Mizoram,” Lotha said, adding that he has now consulted with a FIFA lawyer who will represent him. “My FIFA lawyer will send the letter today [November 7] to the MFA,” he said.
Complicating matters further, after the MFA ban, the Goa Football Association (GFA) also banned Lotha who was yet to play for the GFA. “I was in Goa, but I didn’t even play one match,” he said, questioning the GFA’s grounds for its decision.
The case is expected to gain more attention as Lotha’s legal team moves forward. “I will fight for it,” Lotha added firmly.
Lotha joined the Mizoram Premier League after learning that FC Bethlehem was being promoted to the league. Having known the club owner since his previous time in the league in 2018, Lotha contacted him to request a trial. “I called him (club owner), asking and requesting for a trial in Mizoram, and he told me to come at my own expense,” Lotha shared. After a week-long trial, the club selected him, and he emphasized his desire to play, saying, “My match time is very important because I was looking for a club for my comeback.”
Lotha has played around seven games for Bethlehem FC. Attempts to contact the MFA have so far been unsuccessful.