Published: November 4, 2025
By: Sports Desk
The Kolkata Police have arrested two individuals on charges of match-fixing in the top tier of the Kolkata league, which was won by East Bengal this season. The arrested, Akash Das and Rahul Saha, are officials of Kidderpore Sporting Club, a 108-year-old club that competed in the premier division. Both have been remanded to 14 days of police custody.
Anirban Dutta, general secretary of the Indian Football Association (IFA), confirmed the arrests during a press conference on Monday, adding that there could be more arrests in the future.
Investigation Details
The IFA had alerted Kolkata Police in 2023 after its integrity officer raised concerns about possible match-fixing in the league. According to Dutta, another club, Measurers Club, is also under investigation.
Rupesh Kumar, joint-commissioner of crime, Kolkata Police, said:
“The Indian Football Association had complained that some team officials and players were attempting to fix matches. An enquiry was carried out, surveillance and technical inputs were collected, and based on this, an FIR was lodged against the two arrested individuals. In their initial interrogation, they have confessed.”
IFA Response and Measures
Dutta stated that the IFA intends to bar Kidderpore Sporting Club from participation until the investigation is complete. The association is also planning a helpline for players and officials to report any approaches related to match-fixing, with identities fully protected.
The IFA indicated that at least three or four matches are under scrutiny. However, the results of the league and its champions will remain unchanged, as the issue involves only a small number of individuals. Dutta emphasized that it would be unfair to tarnish the reputation of the entire league.
The arrests mark a significant step in tackling corruption and ensuring integrity in Indian football. The IFA and Kolkata Police have indicated that further actions may follow as the investigation continues.
