Match fixing lepers roaming freely

The ugly and degrading aspect of match fixing—-in soccer— is rearing its head again, if what is happening in Sri Lanka and Pakistan is to be believed.

The word ‘match fixing’ should have no place in the sports lexicon. It is downright degrading. Those indulging in it, if found guilty, must be booted to the land reserved only for societal discards. Such action, if taken, will serve as a deterrent to those hoping to exploit unsuspecting sports fans in this low style of pocketing slimy lucre.

Match fixers

Match fixers are best described as traitors selling one’s soul, birthright and country which is akin to Judas betraying his master the lord almighty for 30 pieces of silver.

Those indulging in match fixing are denying their kit and kin, and have no conscience and they will be appreciated if they follow the example of Judas who, unable to face the shame in betraying his master went and hung himself.

How the match fixers can move in society after acting is such a despicable manner, defies reasoning and meaning.

The sooner that a rock is tied round their necks and they are dropped into the ocean which is bottomless, the better it will be society and mankind.

Shameless

We first move to the local scene and the allegations are that some of our footballers had been indulging in this low game of match fixing for some time now. There were whispers some time ago that our players were into this shameless game. But it was too good to be believed.

But now these allegations are proven it will be a sad day in the annals of soccer. Names have been named.

What has been offered to throw the game away has been mentioned. And now the governing body, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, mast if governance has any meaning, should take it from there.

They must leave no stone unturned, however powerful the alleged individual or individuals are, however indispensable they may be, whatever or however powerful family connections may exist: there is need to initiate a thorough probe and apprehend and expose the culprits.

Discipline

And with Manilal Fernando at the helm of the committee of inquiry, the rascals will find no mercy. Fernando is a stickler for discipline. He, with his brilliant legal brain and experience is best positioned and in the words of that Jim Reeves perennial, to accuse, convict and condemn the guilty.

Over the years what had the local soccer world beaten and bemused was the continuous losing to a country that could have easily been beaten. We would like to at the outset state that we are not casting aspersions on that country.

But it must be remembered that a giver of a bribe is also equally guilty as a receiver. When the inquiry is over and if the match fixing allegations are proved, then both parties must be shown no mercy, but slapped the same sentence and be dumped to the land that the world forgot

Thrown away

When matches are thrown away or gifted, it is the honest men who are running the game who have to cop the flak. And the man who is marked and taken to the cleaners, unfortunately is Manilal Vernon Fernando who has to take the rap for the machinations of others.

Fernando has given the player, the game and the officials at the FFSL and hitherto what they never before had: he has provided the players with every legitimate need. They have only to ask and—- hey presto—- it is provided.

Fernando uses his persuasive powers to convince his two dear friends FIFA Head Sepp Blatter and AFC big boss Bin Mohammed Hammam to provide the players, the administration with all the goodies.

Low tactics

Then by the low tactics of these match fixers, all his good work is nullified and he is nailed and crucified for no sin of his. Blatter and Hammam must certainly be upset if what is taking place here is true.

So then Fernando has a duty by the game, all other genuine players, the officials and himself to dig deep into the despicable low tactics indulged in by individuals who will sell their soul for 30 pieces of silver and expose them so that they will be shunned by the sporting world.

The sooner Fernando sets in motion, galvanizes the committee of inquiry to even burn the mid night oil, expose the satans in football clothing and fumigate these bad hats, it will be a relief and redemption for those playing the true game and those taking to the greatest game followed by millions in the world.

Thundering kick

Fernando’s honesty and integrity is at stake. So he must put on his shooting boots, give a thundering kick to the guilty and send them to football’s hell. Not only the footballing world, but also the sporting world will be watching. Let the Football Federation of Sri Lanka be an example to the sporting world. A fearless probe is the need of the hour.

The footballers must be told that it is better to beg rather than steal or take ‘jarra’. Not only should the guilty players be booted, the same punishment must be slapped on those who were the go between and the givers.