New Delhi:
The All India Football Federation said on Wednesday it has concluded an investigation into its suspended executive committee member Deepak Sharma for allegedly physically assaulting two female players in Goa. The women “did not wish to pursue the matter further,” the statement said.
A day ago, AIFF suspended Sharma’s eligibility until further notice.
AIFF said in a statement that the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) investigating the matter “is unable to continue its investigation as the alleged victim and the other party do not wish to pursue the matter further.”
“The ICC is unable to continue its investigation as the individual concerned has denied any complaints and/or further information regarding the alleged incident.
“In view of the above, the conclusion of the investigation is withdrawal,” AIFF said.
Two players of Himachal Pradesh Kade FC, who are playing in the second tier of the Indian Women’s Football League, alleged that club owner Sharma barged into their room on the night of March 28 and physically assaulted them.
On Saturday, AIFF asked Sharma not to participate in football-related activities until the investigation is concluded. He was arrested by Goa police and later released on bail.
On Monday, the AIFF emergency committee comprising chairman Kalyan Chaubey, vice-chairman NA Haris and treasurer Kipa Ajay took stock of the complaints lodged against Sharma by the players.
A meeting was then held by AIFF member associations and “Sharma was called and heard for a few minutes before he was advised to leave the meeting.”
In their complaint to the AIFF, two players said Sharma was drunk most of the time and they “feared for their lives”, sources said.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur also asked the AIFF to take “swift” and “strong legal action” against the official.
The AIFF on Tuesday also dissolved the three-member committee set up on March 30 to investigate the incident and referred the matter to a disciplinary committee.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
