West Bengal Sports Minister Uncovers Allegations of Corruption in Football Club

West Bengal's Sports Minister Indranil Khan has made alarming allegations against Diamond Harbour Football Club, claiming corruption, nepotism, and unethical practices linked to AITC leader Abhishek Banerjee. The minister emphasized that these issues are under investigation and vowed to eliminate unethical practices from football in the state. Khan criticized the previous TMC government for politicizing the sport, asserting that it has harmed Bengal's football reputation. With former players stepping in to revive the sport, Khan is determined to restore integrity to football in West Bengal. Read on to discover more about these serious allegations and their implications for the future of football in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 20, 2026, 23:38 IST

Allegations Against Diamond Harbour FC

In Kolkata, West Bengal, on August 20, Sports Minister Indranil Khan raised serious concerns regarding Diamond Harbour Football Club, which is linked to All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader Abhishek Banerjee. He claimed that the club was involved in various irregularities, including corruption, black money dealings, nepotism, and unethical match practices.

During a press conference, Khan emphasized that these allegations are currently under investigation and stressed that unethical practices in football would not be tolerated.

Khan stated, "Numerous irregularities and violations of match ethics have surfaced, including claims of corruption, black money, nepotism, and unethical match practices, such as referee manipulation and match-fixing. All these allegations are being thoroughly examined."

The minister accused Diamond Harbour FC of being a vehicle for corrupt activities, asserting that such actions have tarnished the reputation of football and its players in West Bengal.

He remarked, "This team has been misused for corrupt practices, which has done a disservice to football and its athletes."

Khan also criticized the previous TMC government for politicizing football in the state, suggesting that this had negatively impacted Bengal's representation in the sport.

He noted, "West Bengal is known for its passion for football. The previous TMC government has damaged the reputation and infrastructure of football in our state through its actions involving Diamond Harbour FC."

The minister further claimed that political interference and corruption had harmed football in Bengal.

Khan expressed optimism that the Kolkata Maidan would be liberated from "politics" and "corruption," with former footballers stepping in to rejuvenate the sport.

He reiterated, "We will not tolerate any form of unethical match practices."

In June, Kalyan Chaubey, President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), announced that investigations into financial and compliance irregularities concerning Diamond Harbour Football Club would be conducted, emphasizing the need for better collaboration between the Centre and the state to enhance sports in West Bengal.

Regarding Diamond Harbour FC, which is newly promoted to the Indian Super League (ISL) and owned by Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, Chaubey mentioned that the issue had already been brought to the attention of West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik.