Sacked Muktijoddha Sangsad coach Shafiqul Islam Manik made a serious allegation against a top Muktijoddha Sangsad official claiming that he was asked to play a fixed match against Kolkata giants East Bengal in an AFC Cup home game this May.

A day after being fired by Muktijoddha, Manik told reporters at a press conference yesterday that Kabir Ahmed Khan, chairman of Central Command Council of Muktijoddha, had told him to settle for a draw in the match against East Bengal in Dhaka.

"I did not agree with that proposal and we went on to lose the match. I also refused to receive phone calls from club officials during matches later. Perhaps, these things led to my sacking after nine years of service," said the former national footballer who joined Muktijoddha as coach in 1997.

"Any team can sack a coach but the way they have thrown me out, I certainly did not deserve it. I have seen claims in the media today that the club had served a show-cause notice on me. That is not true. I was asked to submit a report about the club's recent performance. I gave it yesterday but it was not accepted.

"The authorities have described me as an undisciplined person but I am not like that. My relationship with the players is also very good contrary to the claims."

Manik also questioned the wisdom of the decision after he had taken the club to two finals this season one of which they won.

"The league is not over yet. I will never admit that I have failed this season," said Manik who led Muktijoddha to one National League, two Premier League and two Federation Cup titles apart from the triumph in the McDowell Cup in India.

Manik also demanded that Muktijoddha officials withdraw their allegations against him.

"They have hurt my feelings as well as damaging my reputation with baseless comments. They must withdraw these officially," demanded Manik who has been asked by the club to collect his dues within a week. Manik the highest-paid local coach, was reportedly under contract for a sum of six lakh this season. Muktijoddha are fourth in the ongoing Premier League at the moment.