FC Goa sanctions: Verdict on ISL final fiasco deferred

Former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, Kshitij Vyas, will pronounce his verdict next week over FSDL and FC Goa's appeal against sanctions imposed on them by Indian Super League's Regulatory Commission for boycotting the prize distribution ceremony following last edition's Indian Super League final.

- ISL final fracas: FC Goa fined Rs 11 crore; owners banned

Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) is a joint venture between IMG-Reliance and Star India.

"Honourable former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Mr Kshitij Vyas, acting as the independent jury member of the ISL Appeals Panel will pronounce the decision on the appeals made by FSDL & FC Goa next week," the Indian Super League said in a statement.

It added, "FSDL had appealed the decision of the ISL Disciplinary Commission to dock FC Goa 15 points for the 2016 season of Hero ISL. FSDL in its appeal had represented that the larger interest of the fans of FC Goa and the level playing field for all teams will be affected because of this and had requested the Appeals commission for a lenient view on the docking of points."

FC Goa had filed their appeal before the ISL Appeals Panel comprising Vyas in May.

"FC Goa, on their part, had appealed to the Appeals commissioner on the ban on their co-owners, the financial penalty in addition to the docking of points," the ISL said in the statement.

The ISL Regulatory Commission slapped the Goan franchise with a Rs 11 crore fine, docked 15 points and banned co-owners Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinivas Dempo for three and two years respectively for boycotting the ISL final prize distribution ceremony and "bringing the league into disrepute".

FC Goa co-owners were adjudged to have decided to boycott the prize distribution ceremony even before the alleged assault of Chennaiyin FC captain Elano Blumer on Dattaraj.

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.

As per the appeal copy, no opportunity was given to cross examine any of the witnesses and no opportunity was afforded to FC Goa to present evidence as to what actually transpired on December 20 last year.

FC Goa termed the sanctions against them and co-owners as unprecedented in the world of football and without any basis in law or fact.