NEW DELHI: The latest decision of the All India Football Federation, which by its various acts of omission and commission, has consistently failed the I-League clubs in its role as the game’s national governing body, looks all set to end up in the courts for redressal.
Reason: The AIFF’s decision to increase the penalty on I-League clubs for their non-participation in the Super Cup from Rs 1 million to Rs 2.75 million.
Aizawl FC, NEROCA FC, Gokulam Kerala, Churchill Brothers, Quess East Bengal and Minerva Punjab have been asked to bear the purported costs for boycotting the games in addition to paying the initial fine of Rs 1 million. This has seen the figure rise to Rs 2,770,135, which has been rounded off to Rs 2.75 million.
In his reaction to the development, Gokulam FC president VC Praveen told IANS: “We are already losing money in football and then this huge penalty for no fault of ours. In fact, this is the only tournament in India that has no participation fee. The club itself has to bear the cost of travel, boarding and other expenses. We will appeal and take legal steps also.
“For participation, they did not pay us anything. We bore all logistical expenses. How will it be possible for us to pay? Even then they are imposing such a huge penalty.”
When asked if questions were bound to do the rounds regarding the intention of the AIFF, Praveen said: “Killing football.”
While some of the other clubs are tight lipped about the development, a senior East Bengal official told IANS: “We are watching closely and will make our stand known once the time comes.”
