A look at instances when a dodgy game decided outcomes for other teams
To take out any chance of corrupt practices, AIFF is sending their Integrity Officer Javed Siraj to supervise the Lajong-Aizawl FC in what would be I-League’s title-deciding game on Sunday
Since the final deciding league game is between sides coming from the Northeastern belt and with Shillong Lajong FC– fifth in the table — have nothing to gain from victory apart from pride. There were concerns about the spirit of the game to be played between the two highlanders.
“We will be sending Siraj a day in advance that is on Saturday for the crucial game. Usually, he reaches a venue on match day but owing to the magnitude of the tie, we are making this exception,” a top AIFF official told IANS. Siraj will be tasked to brief the players about the evils of this malpractice.
Also Read: Will there be club from Maharashtra for the next year’s I-league?
As AIFF decided to send their Integrity officer to avoid any malpractice for the important final game, footballcounter takes a look at matches when similar instances have played out to question the spirit of the game.
- Disgrace of Gijón
Perhaps the most original case of such instance is the Disgrace of Gijón, a name given to a 1982 FIFA World Cup football match played between West Germany and Austria at the El Molinón stadium, Gijón, Spain, on 25 June 1982. The match was the last game of the first-round Group 2, with Algeria and Chile having played the day before. With the outcome of that match already decided, a win by one or two goals for West Germany would result in both them and Austria qualifying at the expense of Algeria, who had beaten West Germany in the first game. West Germany took the lead after 10 minutes, thereafter the remaining 80 minutes was characterized by few serious attempts by either side to score. Both sides were accused of match-fixing although FIFA ruled that neither team broke any rules.
2. Galactic-oh nos
In one of Football’s most scandalous episodes, Union Sportive Valenciennes-Anzin and Olympique de Marseille(OM), were exposed by Valenciennes, whose players Jacques Glassmann, Jorge Burruchaga and Christophe Robert were contacted by Marseille player Jean-Jacques Eydelie, to let OM win and, more importantly, not to injure any OM player ahead of the UEFA Champions League final.
Robert alleged that he and team-mate Jorge Barrachaga were offered a bribe by Marseille – the reigning European champion – midfielder Jean-Jacques Eydelie and general manager Jean Pierre Berenes to throw what was the league-deciding game which was won 1-0. That tainted league title would be the last thing it won for a while. It was stripped of its 1992-1993 championship, relegated to the second division and barred from all European competition, denying it the right to defend its 1993 UEFA Champions League title.
Also Read: Indian colts handed tough draws for 2018 U-16 and U-19 AFC Championship qualifiers
- Euro 2004, Group C: Denmark vs Sweden
Although this game is less in question there have always been conspiracy theories. The 2–2 draw between Denmark and Sweden ensured the elimination of Italy, which simultaneously played its last group match against already-eliminated Bulgaria because UEFA’s tiebreakers took into consideration head-to-head results before overall goal difference. Because both Sweden and Denmark had lower-scoring draws with Italy, and because both teams had beaten Bulgaria, it was known prior to the final pair of group matches that a draw of 2–2 or the higher score would eliminate Italy regardless of the result of their match with Bulgaria.
- AC Milan vs. Brescia
Another instance which raised questions was on the club scene in Italy at the end of the 1992-93 season, when AC Milan met lowly Brescia on the penultimate weekend of the season. Milan needed only a point to be sure of taking the title ahead of neighbours Internazionale, while Brescia thought that a point would be good enough for them to avoid relegation.
For over 80 minutes, the two teams engaged in a game of cat-and-mouse, with both sides wasting chances. Then, in the 82nd minute, Demetrio Albertini let rip with a cracker to put the Milanese in the lead. This was not in the script, and Brescia duly equalised two minutes later when they mysteriously found themselves with a huge overlap. Little good did it do them as other results went against them, and Brescia went down.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…