FC Goa punishment likely to be reduced on appeal; franchise resumes signing activities

THE ISL REGULATORY COMMITTEE seems to be all set to reduce the punishment of FC Goa for orchestrating the controversy around Chennaiyin FC's Elano Blumer on the night of the ISL final last year; at least to some extent.

After videographic evidence emerged that Elano had not assaulted FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar as was originally alleged (Elano had to spend a night in jail over that), the ISL Regulatory Committee punished the Fatorda-based franchise with a 15 point deduction from the upcoming 2016 campaign and a Rs 11 crore fine. Two of the co-owners, Dattaraj Salgaocar and Srinivas Dempo, were also handed 2 year individual bans from ISL events.

FC Goa appealed that punishment, and put all their signings on hold until the Committee announced its decision on it; and rumours started going around that the franchise may not take part if the current punishment is upheld in the final decision. A 15 point deduction practically removes any chance of a semi-final berth for FC Goa.

But now news has emerged that FC Goa have signed their first foreign player. Spanish midfielder Jofre, who played for FC Goa last year, has apparently put pen to paper to represent them in the 2016 edition of the private tournament as well, but the announcement has been delayed until the committee comes out with its verdict.

So the chances are, the appeal has been fruitful and when the ISL Regulatory Committee announces its verdict in the next few days, the punishment for FC Goa will be at least partially reduced. One has to remeber that even FSDL, the arm-organization of IMG-Reliance who own and organize the private tournament along with Star, also "urged" the committee to reduce FC Goa's punishment shortly after it was announced.