Sports
Match-fixing scandal: Special court records statement of tainted footballers
The Special Court on Monday recorded statements from Nepali footballers charged with match-fixing and began hearings on the case.The Special Court on Monday recorded statements from Nepali footballers charged with match-fixing and began hearings on the case.
National team captain Sagar Thapa along with his deputy Sandeep Rai, second-choice goalkeeper Ritesh Thapa, former player turned coach Anjan KC and defender Bikash Singh Chhetri were arrested by police on October 14 for their alleged involvement in fixing Nepal’s international matches.
The players appeared in the court on Monday but denied their involvement in alleged match-fixing, an official was quoted as saying by media. Media were not allowed follow the procedings. The Special Court will begin initial hearings from Tuesday which will decide whether to release the players on bail or remand in custody until final hearing.
Police investigators said the players have been found to have taken up to $5,000 for fixing the matches. The government prosecutors have asked for life-imprisonment under the Crime against State and Punishment Act, 1989. The sub-clause 3.1 of Clause 3 of the Act states that “if someone causes or attempts to cause any disorder with an intention to jeopardize sovereignty, integrity or national unity of Nepal, he/she shall be liable for life imprisonment.”