PRESS RELEASE

The Bhutan Football Federation Disciplinary and Ethics Committee (“committee”) convened on 20 October 2025 at the Changjiji Football Academy, Thimphu, to deliberate on the incident reported during Match No. 85 of the BOB Bhutan Premier League 2025 played between Transport United FC and RTC FC on 19 October 2025 at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu.

Facts of the issue

The Competitions Department of Bhutan Football Federation being the secretariat to the committee informed the committee of an incident that merit review with regard to a Disciplinary matter under the purview of the Bhutan Football Federation Disciplinary and Ethics Code 2025 (“code”).

As per the Reports submitted to the Competitions Department, the following players are indicated:

1. Kelden Choda (jersey No. 69, Transport United FC), and
2. Jigme Namgyel (Jersey No. 14, RTC FC)

Salient feature of the facts as per the Match Incidence Report submitted are as follows:

The Committee reviewed the official reports submitted by the Match Referee, Match Commissioner, and Security Officer regarding an incident that occurred during the said match. According to the Official Match Report, an altercation took place at the 45+3 minutes (just before half-time) involving Mr. Kelden Choda (jersey No. 69, Transport United FC) and Mr. Jigme Namgyel (Jersey No. 14, RTC FC). Since both players engaged in manhandling during the challenge, the referee sent off both players by showing red cards for violent conduct. 

Subsequently, while the players were leaving the field (due to the red card) and when Mr. Jigme Namgyel was about to reach the touchline, Mr. Kelden Choeda punched Mr. Jigme using force (this is verified through video footage in addition to the official report). Immediately after the punch, Mr. Kelden is seen gesturing middle finger towards the fans in the stadium provoking the spectators leading to aggressive disapproval by the crowd (this is also verified through video footage). Due to this gesture, the spectators also began throwing bottles towards the field of play.   

2. Committee Findings

After a detailed review of all submitted reports, available match footage, and statements, the Committee finds that that Mr. Kalden Choda is involved in committing offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play in violation of the basic rules of decent conduct behaving in a way that brings the sport of football into disrepute.

Additionally, the committee also finds that Mr. Kalden:

• Commits unsporting behaviour towards an opponent;
• provokes spectators;
• Commits violent conduct; and
• Commits assault (including punching or hitting an opponent).

The Committee also notes that such behaviour has the potential to incite disorder, undermine the image of the game, and compromise the safety and integrity of BFF competitions.

Insofar as the other players are concerned who were involved in the confrontation subsequent to the incident, the decision of the referee suffices since the events are a reaction to the main issue before the committee.

      3.  Decision

• Based on the findings and in accordance with the code, the Committee invoking clause 9 (a) the Code suspends Mr. Kalden Choda for the 2026 football season, which includes all football activities affiliated with Bhutan Football Federation.
• Further, Mr. Kalden Choda is required to pay Nu. 45,500/- to the Bhutan Football Federation for disciplinary offences committed by him. This amount must be paid within one month of issuance of the decision ,and towards this end, Transport United FC must be responsible for adherence by Mr. Kalden Choda