FC Goa’s fine reduced to `6 cr, 15-point penalty revoked

In a massive reprieve for FC Goa, the appeals panel of ISL on Friday revoked the 15-point penalty imposed on the club for “bringing disrepute” to the event following last year’s final besides reducing the Rs 11 crore fine and lifting the ban on the franchise owners.

In an unprecedented decision in May, FC Goa were slapped with a whopping fine of Rs 11 crore, which was on Friday reduced to Rs 6 crore, while their co-owners Srinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar were banned for two and three seasons respectively for ‘bringing disrepute’ to the tournament. The outfit had also been docked 15 points even before the start of season three.

However, the Indian Super League Regulatory Commission reconsidered the decision after an appeal made by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a joint venture between IMG-Reliance and Star India, and FC Goa. 

“Since it was a first time offence and based on the regret letters received, the Appeals Panel has revoked the respective bans on the owners.”

“The ISL Appeals Panel in its judgement revoked the sanction on 15 points docked on FC Goa, thus allowing FC Goa to start their ISL 2016 campaign on par with other teams in the League.”

FSDL said it was delighted with the verdict and thanked ISL’s Regulatory Committee and Appeals Panel.