The Indian football body has suspended one of its leading members after his arrest on charges of drunken violence against two players.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee member Deepak Sharma was arrested and later released on bail by police following the incident last week in the western coastal state of Goa. “The AIFF Executive Committee has decided to suspend Mr. Deepak Sharma from all participation in football-related activities until further notice,” read a statement issued on Tuesday.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said the federation was "committed to promoting women's football in a safe and supportive environment" and would take "all necessary measures to ensure this".
Both players belong to Khad FC, a club from Himachal Pradesh which plays in IWL 2, the Indian second division.
“The incident in Goa during the IWL 2 should not be amplified to undermine the efforts of the AIFF to develop women's football,” he added. “The particular case has been referred to the disciplinary committee and will be examined urgently,” the press release said.
According to Indian media, Deepak Sharma burst into the room of the two footballers and attacked them. He denied these accusations.