Super Cup: AIFF refers I-League clubs' withdrawal to disciplinary committee

The matter of I-League clubs withdrawing from the 2019 Super Cup has been referred to the disciplinary committee.

Seven I-League clubs have withdrawn from the second edition of Super Cup. [File photo]

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) league committee has unanimously decided to refer the matter of I-League clubs' withdrawal to the disciplinary committee, relying upon the relevant clauses and sections of the I-League participation agreement and Super Cup regulations.

AIFF senior vice-president Subrata Dutta chaired the league committee meeting in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, with B. K. Roka, Chirag Tanna, Rochak Langer, I-League CEO Sunando Dhar also in attendance. Rahul Mascarenhas, chairman of legal advisory committee and Vece Paes, chairman of sports medical committee also attended the meeting.

Churchill Brothers, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, NEROCA FC, Aizawl FC, Gokulam Kerala FC and Minerva Punjab FC withdrew from the Super Cup because of the apathy extended to them by the AIFF.

In the meeting, it was decided that 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.

- Real Kashmir, Minerva share points -

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. However, both the teams communicated to AIFF that they agree to share one point apiece and the same was approved by the League Committee in the 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.

- Chennai City-Minerva match no longer under suspicion -

The AIFF integrity officer conducted a thorough investigation of 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 the AIFF integrity officer did not find anything against the integrity of the game. He declared that there was no malpractice involved.