New Delhi, Jan 16: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Tuesday revoked the two-year ban imposed on Mohun Bagan and instead slapped a Rs.2 crore fine. The popular Kolkata club can now resume their I-League engagements on zero points.
The AIFF's executive committee, presided by president Praful Patel, took the decision
"The executive committee, after due deliberation, decided that Mohun Bagan will 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 fine," Patel said.
"There is a penal provision under which the quantum of damages will be decided by the executive committee," he added.
The I-League's core committee had banned Mohun Bagan for two years after being found guilty of refusing to come out after the first half against arch-rivals East Bengal in an I-League fixture, last month.
Anjan Mitra, Mohun Bagan secretary, thanked the AIFF for resolving what could have been a major crisis in Indian football.
"A crisis in Indian football has been averted. We are grateful to the AIFF that they gave us a patient hearing and took the decision keeping in mind the welfare of Indian football," Mitra told IANS.
"Fans are happy as a two-year ban would have killed the club that has a history of 123 years. We will abide by any decision the AIFF now takes," he added.
Though the massive reprieve for the Kolkata club came at a heavy cost. Beside the Rs.2 crore fine, no official from Mohun Bagan will be allowed to represent the club in AIFF or I-League meetings this 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.
Mohun Bagan will have to pay the fine before the commencement of their next match.
In Kolkata, Mohun Bagan fans were ecstatic and emotional as they celebrated the removal of the suspension on their club by the All India Football Federation here Tuesday. Former soccer stars also welcomed the decision.
There were joyous signs at the club tent as relived Mohun Bagan fans embraced each other. Some of them had tears in their eyes.
"I could not sleep last night. Today I could not go to office. I was so worried. Now I am happy," said 30-year-old Krishna Shankar Pal.
Chuni Goswami, who captained India to the gold in the Jakarta Asian Games, was euphoric.
"Today is my 75th birthday. I could not have hoped for a better gift on this day. I was hoping against hope that my club's punishment would be reduced," said Goswami, a former Olympian, who never turned out for any club other than Mohun Bagan.
"The AIFF has responded to the sentiments of the legions of club fans. This decision is good for Bengal football, for Indian football," he said.
Another Olympian P. K. Banerjee thanked the AIFF for the decision, but said the club officials should now "learn their lesson".
"The Mohun Bagan officials are squarely responsible for the club's predicaments. The AIFF has taken this decision to revoke the suspendion after applying its mind and considering the sentiments of the club fans. And at the same time it has done the right thing by barring Bagan officials from attending AIFF and I-League meetings for a year."
