Two Indian women football team members have filed a police complaint against a male executive committee member of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), alleging physical assault. The incident reportedly took place during a trip to a women’s football league.
Allegations of Assault
The footballers accused the AIFF official of assaulting them under intoxication. The names of the footballers and the AIFF official have not been disclosed to protect the identities of those involved.
AIFF and GFA Launch Investigations
The AIFF has taken the allegations seriously and has launched an investigation into the matter. A spokesperson for the AIFF said, “We are aware of the allegations that have been made and we are taking them very seriously. We have launched an investigation into the matter and we will take appropriate action once the investigation is complete.”
The Goa Football Association (GFA), under whose jurisdiction the alleged incident occurred, is also investigating the complaint. A GFA official said, “We are cooperating fully with the investigation and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served.”
Demand for Action from Football Fraternity
The alleged assault has sparked outrage in the Indian football fraternity. Many footballers and coaches have come forward to demand strict action against the accused AIFF official.
Former Indian women’s national team captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, said, “This is a very serious issue and it needs to be addressed immediately. The AIFF needs to take strong action against the accused official if the allegations are found to be true.”
Women’s rights activists have also condemned the alleged assault and have called for a fair and impartial investigation.
AIFF’s Commitment to Women’s Safety
The AIFF has said that it is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all footballers, both men and women. The federation has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and abuse.
In a statement, the AIFF said, “The AIFF is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all footballers. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and abuse. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that such an incident never happens again.”
Call for Transparency and Swift Action
The alleged assault has cast a shadow over Indian women’s football. Many are now calling for transparency and swift action from the AIFF and the GFA.
It is important to note that the allegations against the AIFF official are just that – allegations. The official is innocent until proven guilty. However, the seriousness of the allegations cannot be ignored. The AIFF and the GFA need to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action if the allegations are found to be true.
This incident is a wake-up call for the Indian football fraternity. More needs to be done to ensure the safety of women footballers in India.
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