The Kerala Premier League fixture between Inter Kerala FC and Kovalam FC on April 18, 2026, has come under serious scrutiny. Emerging allegations point toward player impersonation, registration irregularities, and broader governance concerns.
The match, which ended in a 1–1 draw, had already raised eyebrows due to multiple matchday issues. Inter Kerala was on the receiving end of multiple contentious calls by the referee. Concerns were voiced regarding the quality of officiating, along with the reported absence of basic support systems such as ball boys and stretcher personnel. What initially appeared to be poor organization may now be overshadowed by a far more serious allegation.
According to a formal complaint circulated to Kerala Football Association and the All India Football Federation, Kovalam FC allegedly fielded a player under the identity of Muhammed Afsal S.
However, the complaint asserts that the individual who actually featured in the match was a different player, identified as Afsal B, who is understood to be a registered player of FC Mangalore. This raises significant concerns, as it suggests that a player contracted or registered with another club may have been fielded under a false identity.
It is further alleged that Kovalam FC had attempted to formally include Afsal B in their squad, but his registration was only completed on April 20, 2026, two days after the fixture, according to records from the AIFF Central Registration System.
If these claims are substantiated, it would indicate that the player who participated on April 18 was not eligible to represent Kovalam FC at the time and may have been fielded under a different identity altogether.
The complainant has reportedly submitted multiple pieces of supporting evidence, including photographs of both Afsals, match video footage, and registration records suggesting a discrepancy in the timing of squad inclusion.
Given that the players involved are not widely known, the issue may have gone largely unnoticed under normal circumstances.
Under standard competition regulations, fielding an ineligible player can result in forfeiture of the match. This will result in a 3–0 victory for Inter Kerala FC. Such a ruling would have direct implications for Inter Kerala FC, who were eliminated from the competition following the drawn result. A reversal could significantly alter the outcome of their campaign.
As of now, neither Kovalam FC nor relevant league officials have issued a formal response to the allegations. It also remains unclear whether disciplinary proceedings have been initiated or if an official investigation is underway.
Beyond the immediate fixture, the incident raises deeper concerns about player verification mechanisms, enforcement of registration protocols, and administrative oversight within domestic competitions.
