Ranko Popovic suspended by AIFF

The FC Pune City coach will remain suspended pending further inquiry on his “gross misconduct.”

Ranko Popovic was appointed FC Pune City coach this season.

FC Pune City coach Ranko Popovic has been suspended by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for breaching the disciplinary code with his public comments on referees and match officials. He will remain suspended pending further inquiry on the matter.

The decision was taken by the disciplinary committee of the AIFF after the coach’s latest “gross misconduct.”

'Third instance of breach'

In a statement, disciplinary committee chairman Ushanath Banerjee said, “Having considered the utterances against the decisions of the Referee and the Match Officials, it prima facie appears that Ranko Popovic has breached the Disciplinary Code and the Law of Game with impunity amounting to gross misconduct. On earlier occasion, Popovic was held guilty of abusing and insulting Match Officials and was imposed with sanctions. Even thereafter, he continued with his obdurate acts resulting warning. The instant subject matters are thus third instance of breach.”

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Popovic has received a show-cause notice which has to be replied to by Friday. He is also required to appear before the committee next week (March 16) at Football House, Delhi.

FC Pune City is scheduled to play the second leg of the ISL semifinal on March 11.