Kolkata: The football fraternity hailed AIFF’s decision to revoke the ban on Mohun Bagan as hundreds of fans celebrated outside the club on Tuesday.
Seventeen days after the AIFF had banned Mohun Bagan from the I-League until 2014-15, the federation revoked the two-year suspension while imposing a fine of Rs 2 crore on the historic club.
Olympian Chuni Goswami, who is celebrating his birthday on Tuesday, said it is the biggest gift. “A great coincidence that the decision has come along on my 75th birthday. It’s the biggest gift I’ve received on my birthday. It has doubled my happiness, making my platinum jubilee birthday really special,” Goswami said.
Joining the chorus, Olympian PK Banerjee said, “Nothing could have been better than this decision. I’m really happy with the way AIFF handled the whole issue. It’s very judiciously taken.”
Former captain Shyam Thapa also hailed the decision: “We all were very sad that Mohun Bagan had been banned from the I-League. Without Mohun Bagan, something was missing in Indian football. Their age-old rivalry with East Bengal is part of the folklore. So we all are very happy with the decision.” (PTI)