ISL Penalises FC Goa For Rs 11 Crore, Owners Banned

File photo of Dattaraj Salgaocar. (Photo: Anselm Pio Noronha Twitter)

In an unprecedented decision, Indian Super League side FC Goa were slapped a whopping fine of Rs 11 crore on Thursday 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 year.

The five-member Regulatory Commission of ISL headed by Justice (Retd) D A 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, 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.

Indian Super League’s 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,” the release said.

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.

Indian Super League’s release

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 comprises of 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).