AIFF letters leave ISL 2015 finalists FC Goa wary: Report

New Delhi: Indian Super League side FC Goa are unsure about being punished twice by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for one alleged inapt act after the finale of season 2 in Margao on December 20, 2015.

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, a letter dated January 25 was signed by Gautam Kar, director AIFF, had told FC Goa that the “AIFF Disciplinary Committee has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters related to discipline under AIFF Disciplinary Code (sic), including those relating to Indian Super League.”

But reports say that, earlier this month, in response to a letter written by FC Goa manager Jonathan D’Souza, the finalists were told that this does not mean the ISL can’t take “parallel” action and impose “sanctions on matters which directly affect the League’s reputation and credibility and are in breach of its regulations.”

Interestingly, the letter is signed by AIFF general secretary Kushal Das and ISL CEO Devang Bhimjyani.

According to the letter signed by Das and Bhimjyani, “respects the jurisdiction of the AIFF in matters related to AIFF Disciplinary Code” but ISL rules “clearly authorizes the League to impose additional sanctions for breach of any League regulations apart from any disciplinary action taken by the AIFF. The League rules have been approved by the AIFF and have been acknowledged by you as binding.”

HT is said to have copies of both letters.

Kushal Das said the AIFF Disciplinary Committee does have the final authority but it deals with matters pertaining to what is mentioned in the match commissioner’s and the referee’s reports.

The AIFF Disciplinary Committee heard FC Goa in New Delhi last month, and may meet again soon.