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ISL FRACAS
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In an unprecedented decision, Indian Super League side FC Goa were on Thursday slapped a whopping fine of Rs 11 crore while their co-owners Shrinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar were banned for two and three seasons respectively for “bringing disrepute” to the tournament.
The ISL Regulatory Commission took the decisions after the conclusion of the hearings in Mumbai relating to the controversy surrounding the scuffle between Chennaiyin FC's Brazillian marquee player Elano Blumer and FC Goa officials after the ISL second season final in Margao in December last.
The five-member Regulatory Commission of ISL headed by Justice (Retd) DA Mehta met in Mumbai over last three days in continuation of their earlier sittings since February to hear the submissions of the respective parties in the matter of Football Sports Development Limited vs FC Goa; FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC; FC Goa vs Elano Blumer and Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa.
“In its final order pronounced today (Thursday), FC Goa were found in breach of ISL regulations/code of conduct bringing disrepute to the ISL, following the unfortunate incident on 20th December 2015 soon after the Hero ISL final at Fatorda Stadium, Goa. FC Goa were facing the allegations of violating ISL Regulations namely for 'boycotting match and league ceremony', 'public criticism and threatening match officials,' 'alleging that the match were fixed,' and 'non-adherence of League rules',” the ISL said in a release.
“Mr Dattaraj Salgaocar shall be banned from associating with any activity pertaining to ISL matches (including entering stadium) for three (3) ISL seasons. Mr Srinivas Dempo shall be banned from associating with any activity pertaining to ISL matches (including entering stadium) for two (2) ISL seasons.
“A sum of Rs 10 crore (Rupees Ten Crores Only) shall be paid by FC Goa to FSDL towards penalty/fine as well as costs; and a sum of Rs 1 crore (Rupees One Crore Only) shall be paid by FC Goa to Chennaiyin FC towards costs,” the release said.
Dempo is also a vice-president of the All India Football Federation.
FC Goa team will also be docked 15 points in the next ISL season.
The Regulatory Commission members were unanimous in arriving at the verdict.
Besides Justice (Retd) D A Mehta (former judge of Gujarat High Court), the ISL Commission has Justice B N Mehta (former judge, Gujarat High Court), D Sivanandhan (former Director General of Police, Maharashtra), Vidushpat Singhania (legal professional and sports law expert) and Kiran More (former Indian cricketer).
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OPTION TO APPEAL
As their next legal recourse, FC Goa can appeal against the ISL regulatory commission's decision, which ruled out the club's claims on ‘double jeopardy’ and the commission's 'lack of jurisdiction’. As per ISL League rules, all the parties involved have the option to exercise their right to appeal to the ISL Appeals Panel comprising of former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, Kshitij R Vyas.
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We are surprised and shocked with the order as ISL was to decide on the application of jurisdiction and not to proceed on the hearing as AIFF which is the supreme body, directed to maintain status quo on March 31st. We are studying the order and considering all options before us
- Shrinvas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar, FC Goa co-owners
