KATHMANDU: The National Sports Development Bill, which was passed by the National Assembly on Thursday, has included the provision of up to six years jail term for the players found guilty of their involvement in match-fixing in national and international matches.

According to bill, players who fix matches outside the country will be jailed for six years along with a fine of Rs 50,000, while the punishment for fixing matches inside the country is three years plus the fine.

Also, the individuals who help and encourage for match-fixing will be jailed for three years along with the fine of Rs 50,000.

Likewise, players who are found guilty of using  prohibited medicines will face ban and fine. “If an athlete is found guilty of having prohibited medicines for the first time, the player will be banned for certain period and slapped a fine of Rs 10,000,” the bill reads. “In second offense, athletes will be fined Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 each time.”

It also stated that those who are found involved in criminal activities and discrimination on racism, gender, language, geography and ideology grounds would be fined Rs 30,000 to 50,000.