JOIN USA rollercoaster I-League campaign took another bizarre turn as it emerged that Salgaocar were still in with a shout of winning the title.
After the Goan side fielded Mathew Foschini and Fulgancio Cardozo – both unregistered players – in two consecutive games Bengaluru FC (Nov 22, which BFC won 1-0) and Pune FC (Nov 26, which finished 1-1), the All India Football Federation (AIFF) awarded both Pune as well as BFC 3-0 victories.
Miffed by the AIFF verdict, Salgaocar filed an appeal and they were found guilty.
Following which, the Goan club, currently three points behind leaders BFC in third place, appealed to the I-League disciplinary committee which upheld the earlier decision.
Not satisfied by that outcome, the Goan club moved the Appeals Committee which asked Salgaocar to lodge a formal appeal by April 18 and ‘Salgaocar lodged a formal appeal four to five days ago,’ according to I-League CEO Sunanda Dhar.
The committee is expected to give their verdict by Wednesday.
Asked why Salgaocar took so long to appeal, Dhar said: “It is Salgaocar’s democratic right and they have exercised it.
” Dhar also mentioned that Salgaocar’s appeal did not contravene any rules. “Everything has been done as per law.”
If the Appeals Committee finds the case in favour of Salgaocar, they will get their point back. However, BFC will be crowned champions by then if they beat Dempo on April 21.
Bengaluru FC has 41 points from 22 games, East Bengal, who beat Pune FC 2-1 on Saturday, are on second place with 40 points from 23 games, while Salgaocar, who play their final game against Churchill Brothers, have 38 points from 23 games.