Bhaichung Bhutia alleges SFA Prez Menla Ethenpa of match fixing

Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia contesting the All India Football Federation Presidential post has alleged Menla Ethenpa, President of Sikkim Football Association of indulging in match fixing and supporting his contestant for his vested interest. 

It may be mentioned here that Bhaichung Bhutia is contesting the election for the post of AIFF facing Kalyan Choubey, former Mohun Bagan Goalkeeper in the September 2, elections.

Addressing a press conference here in Lumsey today, Bhaichung said, “It is sad to know that Menla Ethenpa, President of Sikkim Football Association is supporting my opponent in the election to the top post of the country’s football governing body for his own gain.”

“Despite my personal request, repeated requests by SFA General Secretary, Phurba Sherpa and many other state associations, Ethenpa went on to support Choubey’s nomination for his vested interest,” alleged Bhaichung. 

“Being a President of SFA, he represents Sikkim’s football and aspirations of football players and fans of Sikkim, it is sad to say that instead of approaching the Federation in the interest of football and footballers of Sikkim, Menla Ethenpa is there supporting the nomination of opponent camp for his vested interest of getting a post in AIFF,” Bhutia continued.

“He had demanded the post of treasurer, when it didn’t work, he had to be satisfied with a mere executive membership offered by Gujarat Football Association, said Bhaichung. As a footballer, I had contributed for the development of football in Sikkim and being a Chairman of Technical Committee of SFA, I am also the member of Sikkim Football Association, instead of supporting a fellow member of the same association, Menla is indulging in match fixing for his personal interest”, alleged Bhaichung.