Controversy mars Pioneer League
The Super League of Dhaka City Corporation (South & North) Pioneer Football League gets underway across four venues tomorrow amidst allegations that some of the teams have qualified by fixing matches in the preliminary round.
Participating in the League will be the 20 teams who emerged champions in their respective groups. They will now be divided into four groups and play round-robin league matches again and the top team of each group will advance to the semifinals.
Before the start of the preliminary round, the Pioneer Football League committee selected around 2000 booters (out of 5000) of U-16 level for the participating 59 teams, but a couple of clubs adopted illegal means -- such as playing fixed matches and fielding unregistered players -- to see their team in the Super League where the top three teams will be promoted to the 3rd Division League.
Mojibur Rahman, coach of R&D Krira Chakra from Lalbagh, alleged he was forced to play a 2-2 draw against Uttaran Jubo Sangho in line with instructions from his club secretary, allowing Uttaran Jubo Sangsad to qualify for the Super League with one more point than R&D's 10.
Mojibur informed that he later verbally complained to the league committee's deputy chairman Bijon Barua but did not get justice.
“It was an internal problem. Because, the secretary of R&D KC also brought forth an allegation against the coach for the trading of points. We looked into the matter and found nothing wrong,” said Bijon yesterday.
“We have already curtailed four points from Turjo SC after finding them guilty of fielding unregistered players in one of their matches as we are very strict towards such allegations,” said the former national goalkeeper.
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