ISL committee overturns 15-point penalty on FC Goa

The Panel said it found merit in the Football Sports Development Limited’s (FDSL) argument "to keep football fans interest above all matters, and to provide a level field for all teams."

FC Goa lost 3-2 to Chennaiyin FC in the final of ISL season 2.

The ISL Appeals Panel has revoked the sanction on the 15 points docked on FC Goa, thus allowing the team to start its ISL 2016 campaign on par with other teams in the League.

The Panel said it found merit in the Football Sports Development Limited’s (FDSL) argument “to keep football fans interest above all matters, and to provide a level field for all teams.” The respective ban on two of FC Goa’s owners, Dattaraj Salgaocar and Srinivas Dempo has also been revoked.

The decision was taken on the basis of a letter of regret submitted by the owners and Chennaiyin FC player Elano Blumer, to the ISL Appeals Panel, terming the incidents as something that happened in the heat of the moment. Since it was a first time offence and based on the regret letters received, the Appeals Panel has revoked the respective bans.

The Appeals Panel noted that players, club officials and all others associated with the League need to display behaviour that is an example for the fans and public.

FC Goa’s financial penalty has also been reduced to Rs. 6 crore from the earlier Rs. 11 crore. This amount to be paid to FSDL, has been directed to be utilised for investments solely in grassroots development programmes for football in the country.