New Delhi: In a massive reprieve for Mohun Bagan, the All India Football Federation revoked the two-year ban on the club on Tuesday while imposing a fine of Rs 2 crore for abandoning its I-League derby against East Bengal mid-way, last December.
The decision was taken during the AIFF’s executive committee meeting, chaired by president Praful Patel.
The I-League’s core committee had earlier banned Mohun Bagan from the I-League for two years for breaching the rules.
“Mohun Bagan will be continue to play in the current season, but they will lose all the 12 points they have earned so far in the league. They will start with zero points and will have to pay Rs 2 crore as compensation,” Patel said.
“There is a panel provision under which the quantum of damage can be decided by the executive committee,” he added.
He said the decision was arrived at keeping in mind the larger interest of the sport, the players, fans and all stakeholders involved.
Among other decisions, no official from Mohun Bagan will be allowed to represent the club in AIFF or I-League meetings in the current calendar year.
“We have also asked them to provide an undertaking that they will never again breach the rules or get involved in an act of indiscipline,” Patel said.
I-League CEO Sunanda Dhar will chart out revised fixtures and Mohun Bagan will be have to pay the fine before their next match.
Club captain Odafa Okolie’s case has been referred to the disciplinary committee of the federation.
Okolie was involved in the fracas by arguing with the referee after receiving a red card.
Patel, however, made it clear that if any club is found to be flouting the rules in future, there will be no scope for reconsideration.
“This is a first and last in Indian football. The committee does not mean that we found any merit (in Bagan’s plea). We have only reduced the quantum of the punishment.”
Bagan were a goal down against East Bengal in Kolkata when a stone, hurled from the stands, hit midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi.
The match resumed after a delay towards the end of the first half, but Bagan refused to take the field after the interval Nabi was treated for a fractured right jaw.
The decision to cancel the 12 points has left Mohun Bagan at the bottom of the 14-team league and fighting to avoid relegation, and with Okolie out for at least two matches, the club will have a tough ask to avoid relegation next year.
Our reporter adds: Meanwhile, AIFF vice president Larsing Ming Sawyan said he supports the AIFF move to revoke the Mohun Bagan’s ban.
“It is too harsh if the club is banned for three years. The club’s existence was under serious threat with such a long ban,” Sawyan said while speaking to The Shillong Times from New Delhi.
He felt, however, that this episode would act as a deterrent to other clubs from acting in the same manner as Bagan in the future. (PTI)