BHUBANESWAR: The AIFF league committee has unanimously decided to refer the matter of I-League clubs’ withdrawal from the ongoing Hero Super Cup to the disciplinary committee, relying upon the relevant clauses/sections of the I-League participation agreement and the tournament’s regulations.
Churchill Brothers, Quess East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, NEROCA FC, Aizawl FC, Gokulam Kerala FC and Minerva Punjab FC withdrew from the Super Cup accusing the AIFF of being apathetic to their grievances.
What will come of this? Nothing, is SportzPower’s considered view. Why? Because seven teams from the 11-team I-League were a part of the “boycott”. If it were a matter involving one or two teams, then disciplinary action has some practically actionable potential. In this case, it is likely more of going through the motions than anything else.
Other decisions taken at the meeting:
1. TW3 method of bone-age determination will be implemented for the Sub-Junior National Championship from next season. Meanwhile, the committee decided that the eligibility to participate in upcoming Sub-junior and Junior League 2019-20 season will be a bone-age rating upto 13.4 and 15.4 years respectively, received under the AIFF BADP Guidelines.
The I-League 2018-19 match between Real Kashmir FC and Minerva Punjab FC scheduled on February 18, 2019 was to be rescheduled later according to the decision taken by the emergency committee. Both the teams have communicated to AIFF that they agree to share one point apiece and the same was approved by the League Committee in today’s meeting. Hence, Real Kashmir FC finishes third on the points table with 37 points from 20 matches whereas Minerva Punjab FC will finish ninth with 18 points having played the same number of matches.
The AIFF integrity officer conducted a thorough investigation on the I-League match between Chennai City FC and Minerva Punjab FC. The matter was investigated from all angles and relevant documents were collected and persons were examined. The AIFF integrity officer didn’t find anything against the integrity of the game and there is nothing to suspect about the true spirit of the game. The committee accepted his views.
