The All India Football Federation (AIFF) rejected Kerala Blasters FC's appeal against the ₹4 crore fine imposed on them for "misconduct and abandonment" of their game against Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League playoffs on March 3, 2023, announced the apex governing body of the sport on Friday.
The AIFF Appeal Committee, headed by Akshay Jaitly, have also rejected Ivan Vukomanovic's appeal against the fine of Rs 5 lakh and a 10-game ban imposed on him as they upheld the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. Both the club and the coach have been instructed to pay their respective fines "within two weeks".
What happened in the ISL playoff match between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC that led to the controversy?
During the ISL playoff on March 3, a contentious incident took place involving Sunil Chhetri's free-kick goal during extra time.
Upon the instruction from coach Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters walked off the field, asserting that Chhetri's winning strike from the free-kick was not "legitimate" as referee Crystal John did not blow the whistle before the Blues skipper took the kick.
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Despite protests from Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC were ultimately declared the winners of the match with a 1-0 scoreline.
What did the AIFF Appeal Committee say about their decision?
Blasters had appealed for leniency and asked the fine to be reduced to the minimum amount for abandoning the match. Whereas, in the case of Vukomanovic, they requested that the fine and the ban be removed entirely.
However, the Appeal Committee stuck to the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and put out a statement that read: "...the appeal of the appellant team is denied and that Kerala Blasters FC is instructed to pay the fine of Rs 4 crore imposed by the Disciplinary Committee.”
On the appeal made by Ivan Vukomanovic, the Appeal Committee said: “….this Committee holds that the appeal of the Appellant Coach is denied and that Mr Ivan Vukomanovic is instructed to pay the fine of Rs. 5 lakh and serve the suspension for 10 matches and the ban from being a part of the team dressing room and team bench, irrespective of the team he is contracted with. Any match for which such suspension and ban have already been served shall count towards compliance with this decision.”
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