All India Football Federation official Deepak Sharma arrested after women footballers allege assault

All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee member, Deepak Sharma, was arrested by Goa police on Saturday for allegedly assaulting women football players.

A complaint was filed against Deepak for assaulting and misbehaving with two female footballers of Khad FC, a football team which takes part in the Indian Women’s League. Deepak, who is the owner of the club, allegedly barged into their room and physically assaulted them on March 28.

Deputy superintendent of police (Mapusa), Sandesh Chodankar, said that Deepak Sharma, a member of the executive committee of AIFF, was called for questioning during the day on Saturday, after a formal complaint was received against him. Chodankar said that he was arrested by Mapusa police under various sections including causing hurt, causing force against the woman and other charges.

Deepak Sharma allegedly assaulted the two women footballers during their stay in Goa.

“AIFF executive committee member Deepak Sharma was called for questioning during the day after a formal complaint was received. He was arrested by Mapusa police under various sections, including causing hurt, using force against women, among others,” Sandesh Chodankar told news agency PTI.

Chodankar also explained that Sharma, who is also the secretary-general of the Himachal Pradesh Football Association, will remain in custody for the night and will be produced in front of the court on Sunday, March 31.

Meanwhile, GFA President Caetano Fernandes said the association helped the victims file the complaint at Mapusa police station.