NEW DELHI: Minerva Punjab’s combative owner Ranjit Bajaj on Friday morning took to Twitter to declare he was shutting operations. Reason: The 2017-18 season I-League champions were informed that the Kalinga Stadium will not be available to host the home matches for the Chandigarh-based club as the facility is set to undergo renovation after the completion of the Super Cup.
He tweeted: With a very heavy heart ? today I have decided that @minervapunjabfc will have to do what so many others have done/CHAMPIONS of @ILeagueOfficial for 2018-19 for SENIORS/Under 13/ under 15 /under 18 – SIX TITLES (4 years) 60 plus boys to various Indian teams is going to shut?
Bajaj has however alleged that the sanctioning authority – Odisha Sports Authority (OSA) – took the decision at the behest of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partners Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL).
It bears noting that the the OSA had earlier granted Minerva permission to use the stadium for their three home fixtures, the first of which is scheduled for May 1, against Nepalese club Manang Marshyangdi.
Bajaj says he reached out to the OSA but was told to speak to FSDL and AIFF, and lashed out at the federation.
He tweeted: After being champions playing in the @AFCCup was our right @minervapunjabfc but came to know who that it’s AIFF & (FSDL) who has got our permission cancelled – ODISHA sports dept is saying talk to them – I am shattered that my own parent body is sabotaging our afc stadium ???
Sadly it’s crystal clear that instead of trying to promote football in INDIA / AIFF Along with FSDL RELIANCE is trying to kill all football which they can’t own/this low blow of getting odsiha govt to cancel the stadium booking after @AFCCup has started Is shameful ??????
Bajaj tweeted that the AIFF’s duty must be to protect football in this country, but they are instead killing other clubs.
” (sic) AIFF & FSDL RELIANCE Congratulations on a job well done – from everyone @minervapunjabfc & all clubs who have shut down because of you,” he tweeted.
Bajaj also claimed that a change in venue would result in disqualification for Minerva.
He tweeted: We @minervapunjabfc cannot change venue now it’s too late & will be disqualified from @AFCCup / all permissions were given well in advance – please help??? @Naveen_Odisha @CMO_Odisha
It is worth mentioning that at one point last year, Minerva held all the championships in Indian Football, from the I-League to the junior levels, where there were crowned U-18, U-15 and U-13 National Champions.
The former I-League champions held Chennaiyin FC to a 0-0 draw in their AFC Cup campaign opener and are scheduled next to lock horns against Abahani Dhaka (Bangladesh). They play their first home game against Manang Marshyangdi (Nepal) on May 1.
Minerva Punjab finished 10th in the just-concluded 2018-19 season of the league.
