One of ISL franchise FC Goa's principal sponsors, QNET, have been allegedly dragged into a cheating scam, with India's criminal authorities casting the net wide in investigation...

Multi-level marketing firm and consumer goods firm QNET, a wholly owned subsidary of the Hong-Kong headquartered QI Group of Companies, has been embroiled in a Rs. 1000 Crore scandal by investigating Indian authorities.

According to a report in the Times of India, the relevant investigators allege that the firm 'cheated' over five LAKH investors by claiming to sell a wide portfolio of products from health care to holiday packages and making them invest in certain schemes. 

But what's all that got to do with Indian football?

Well, this news certainly won't ring well in the ears of Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Goa, who have strategically tied-up with the firm in question, QNET,  to be the franchise's "official direct selling partner of (FC) Goa Football Club."

"QNET strongly believes in fighting and striving for the best. FC Goa embodies just that," revealed JR Mayer, the company's managing director. 

Interestingly, QNET and its parent company sponsor Formula 1 team, Marussia, English Premier League side Manchester City FC and added Martina Hingis, a tennis legend, to their brand portfolio. 

Also interesting was the fact that any information regarding FC Goa's sponsorhip from the company's official website was unattainable. This was because, the Government of India's Telecommunications Ministry has BLOCKED the company's website.

"Your requested URL has been blocked as per the directions received from Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. Please contact administrator for more information,” revealed the webpage. 

The QNET structure has already run afoul of authorities in countries ranging from Syria to Sri Lanka. . 

"We are honoured to be working with QNET in a partnership that presents both parties with exciting opportunities to collaborate through football, symbolising the spirit of positive growth in the Indian sub-continent. The partnership also indicates the global relevance of FC Goa as a brand that engages football fans of the club not only in India but world over," stated an FA Goa official at the unveiling of the partnership in October last year. 

With FC Goa still being investigated over the fracas in the aftermath of the Indian Super League (ISL) final of the 2015 edition of the tournament, the timing of this story will certainly give more headaches to the management over the nature of investments made by QNET, considering the wide cast of the net the authorities will make.