Long awaited FC Goa verdict finally expected to land on Friday

THE FINAL VERDICT on the FC Goa controversy by the one-member ISL appeals committee is finally expected to come out on on Friday, July 22nd, eight days after it was originally supposed to be announced.

The Fatorda-based franchise are facing a fine of Rs 11 crore and a 15 point deduction from their ISL 2016 campaign, imposed on them for boycotting the prize distribution ceremony in the wake of the alleged assault involving Elano Blumer and FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar. They have lodged an against it, and the one-member appeals committee was originally supposed to deliver its verdict last Thursday. But for reasons unknown the announcement has been pushed back by 8 days.

There are rumours that suspended FC Goa co-owners Srinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar are going to sell their stakes in the franchise to Delta Group to help the team avoid the crippling points deduction punishment. Neither of the involved parties have unequivocally confirmed this so far.

The franchsie initially put all its signings and appointments of players and staff on hold until the verdict was announced. But in the past few days they have announced a couple of significant player signings, giving the impression that they either believe the final verdict will be a less severe one, or they are ready to move on with their campaign preparations regardless of whatever the verdict is.