I-League 2017-18: Ranjit Bajaj accuses East Bengal of trying to bribe opponent coaches

JUST AS THE I-League heads towards a photo finish with 3 simultaneous matches where 4 clubs will have a chance to lift the trophy, the ugly head of match fixing has popped up again. 

Earlier today several news outlets quoted Minerva Punjab FC owner Ranjit Bajaj as directly accusing East Bengal of trying to manipulate matches with offers of money

Bajaj has alleged that people connected to East Bengal have offered money to MPFC head coach Khogen Singh as well as Chennai City FC head coach V Soundararajan to make their teams under-perform especially in their matches against East Bengal. He hasn't said anything about whether such attempts bore fruit. A complaint with the AIFF integrity officer has already been lodged.

In the weeks leading up to the last round, East Bengal scored crucial away wins against both Minerva Punjab and Chennai City. Those wins kept the Red and Golds alive in the title race. East Bengal officials have vehemently denied allegations of any foul play during those games.

As things stand, Minerva Punjab need a win against Churchill Brothers to secure their maiden top division league title. For any other club to have a chance, MPFC must drop points.

It remains to be seen how things turn out on the pitch, but these allegations have further muddied the already complex title race that's heading for a climactic ending tomorrow.

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