The Indian Super League’s (ISL) appeals panel on Friday removed the ban on FC Goa to 6 crore and revoked the sanction on 15 points penalty docked on FC Goa which were imposed on club and A�the franchise owners last year forA� “bringing disrepute”.
The ISL appeals panel A�taken a full U-turn from the ISL Regulatory Commissions’s stringent action against FC Goa for the controversial events of the ISL 2015 finals As theyA�have reduced the FC Goaa��s financial penalty to Rs. 6 crore from the earlier Rs. 11 crore, A�also repealed the suspension sentences on two of the team’s co-owners Srinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar,A�who were banned for two and three seasons respectively for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.
Following the appealA�made by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a joint venture between IMG-Reliance and Star India, and FC Goa,A� the Indian Super League Regulatory Commission reconsidered the decision.
The charges have been made following the unsavoury events that took place immediately after FC Goa lost 3-2 to Chennaiyin FC in the final of the second season in 2015, at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. The hosts were charged with criticising match officials by posting allegations of match fixing andA�A�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.
Goa team refused to participate in the post-match presentation and even the league closing ceremony as they alleged thatA�Chennaiyin FC captain and marquee player Elano Blumer had assaulted one of A�their co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar.
“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 Blumer, 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 and based on the regret letters received, the Appeals Panel has revoked the respective bans on the owners.”
The teama��s participation in subsequent editions of the marquee tournament itself was under threat whenA�The Regulatory Committee’s earlier decision to dock 15 points was taken.
