All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive member Deepak Sharma who is also the general secretary of Himachal Pradesh Football Association has been accused of of physical assault by two players of Khad FC.
Palak Verma and Ritika Thakur alleged that Deepak assaulted them under the influence of alcohol on March 28 night. A complaint was filed on March 29 to the AIFF. The footballers requested immediate action against Deepak who is part of their contingent in Goa.
Deepak denied the allegations and only admitted to scolding the two players because they got eggs from outside around 11 PM.
“It is all baseless. Someone is trying to provoke them and create an issue out of nothing. She just got eggs from outside around 11 PM. I just scolded her over timings. It was a small issue,” Deepak said in an exclusive conversation with India Today.
“It happened on the March 28 evening. My wife was with me as well when the incident happened. I had a conversation with AIFF as well and briefed them about everything. There is nothing serious about it.”
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey took cognizance of the issue. He assured that the matter will be investigated and an action will be taken against them.
“I heard that the normal procedure of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) will be followed as per the constitution. We will follow the guidelines,” Chaubey said.
“We will take this matter very seriously. There should be no encouragement for such behaviour in the society. We will get to the truth of it and take action accordingly. Not just players but coaches, ball girls, support staff, whosoever it is. We need to ensure their security and take an action. However, there is a need to hear both sides. We can't take a decision in haste.”
Khad FC’s last game of the tournament
Khad FC are scheduled to go up against City Bahadurgarh in their final match of Women's League 2, the second division of women's football in India. However, they are set to be knocked out of the tournament at the group stage as Tuem and SAG Football Academy will advance further in the tournament.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
