Goa handed major reprieve

In a massive reprieve for FC Goa, the appeals panel of ISL on Friday revoked the 15-point penalty imposed on the club for “bringing disrepute” to the event following last year’s final besides reducing the Rs 11 crore fine and lifting the ban on the franchise owners.

In an unprecedented decision in May, FC Goa were slapped with a whopping fine of Rs 11 crore, which was on Friday reduced to Rs 6 crore, while their co-owners Srinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar were banned for two and three seasons respectively for ‘bringing disrepute’ to the tournament. The outfit had also been docked 15 points even before the start of season three.

However, the Indian Super League Regulatory Commission reconsidered the decision after an appeal made by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a joint venture between IMG-Reliance and Star India, and FC Goa.

The final of the 2015 edition of the ISL was marred by violence and controversy when players and officials of FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC engaged in scuffles after the conclusion of the match, with the Goans also boycotting the prize distribution ceremony.

“Appeals Panel has reduced the FC Goa’s financial penalty to Rs 6 crore from the earlier Rs 11 crore. The Appeals Panel also stated that this amount to be paid to FSDL, should be utilised for investments solely in grassroots development programmes for football in the country. Appeals Panel also set aside Rs 1 crore penalty levied on FC Goa to be paid to Chennaiyin FC as part of the latter’s legal expenses,” the ISL said in a statement.

The dispute ensued after FC Goa alleged that Chennaiyin FC captain and marquee player Elano Blumer had assaulted their co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar, prompting a boycott of the prize distribution ceremony by the Goan club.

“ISL Appeals Panel has revoked the respective ban on two of FC Goa’s owners, viz Dattaraj Salgaocar and Srinivas Dempo. The decision was taken (on the) basis of letter of regret submitted by the owners and Elano, to the ISL Appeals Panel, terming the incidents as something that happened in the heat of the moment. “Since it was a first time offence, the Appeals Panel has revoked the respective bans on the owners.”

The Regulatory Committee’s earlier decision to dock 15 points threatened to turn FC Goa’s next ISL campaign into an exercise in futility.

As per the tournament organisers, the Appeals Panel stated, “In response to FSDL’s appeal against docking of 15 points of FC Goa ahead of ISL season 2016, the ISL Appeals Panel found merit in FSDL’s argument ‘to keep football fans interest above all matters, and to provide a level field for all teams’.”

Co-owners quit

Meanwhile, FC Goa co-owners Srinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar withdrew their stakes from the franchise, surprisingly soon after the appeals panel lifted the ban on the duo.

“The developments post the finals on December 20, 2016 have caused deep distress to us, our families, the FC Goa team and Goans in general. We have received a copy of the statement of Elano Blumer of Chennaiyin FC conveying his regrets over his actions that occurred post match on December 20. In the interest of our innumerable fans and the team, with great sadness we have taken the painful decision to exit from FC Goa,” they said in a joint statement.

However, it was learnt that the move was pre-planned and that the two Goan co-owners in question had requested the appeals panel to remove the “burden of ban” from their head and pave the way for an “honourable exit”.