Inter Kashi threatens legal action against AIFF on not getting communication about stay on forfeited match

Inter Kashi threatens legal action against AIFF on not getting communication about stay on forfeited match

I-League side Inter Kashi threatened legal action against the All India Football Federation Appeals Committee over its decision to stay the forfeiting of the match against Namdhari FC on January 13 — one that could be a deciding factor in the title race.

The club said that it was shocked by the decision and that it had not received any official communication from the Federation or the League regarding this matter.

“Inter Kashi has already written to the AIFF seeking immediate clarification and expects transparency and prompt action from the Federation. The Club will not hesitate to explore all legal avenues necessary to protect its interests once official intimation is received,” the club said in a release on Friday.

The match in question is Match 45 of the I-League wherein Namdhari beat Kashi 2-0 at the Sri Bhaini Sahib Stadium in Ludhiana, Punjab on January 13.

However, Kashi protested, saying its opponent fielded Cledson Carvalho da Silva, who was supposed to be suspended after four yellow cards – one that saw the AIFF Disciplinary Committee find merit in it as it forfeited the game and docked three points off Namdhari.

On March 27, the Appeals Committee stayed the decision to dock points.

“It is deeply surprising that such a critical decision would reportedly be put up for discussion on April 28, a full three weeks after the league concludes on April 6, raising serious questions about procedural integrity, timing and causing serious threats to the integrity and credibility of the competition,” Kashi added.

Kashi, with 35 points, is three points below leader Churchill Brothers and stands a chance to clinch the I-league title and secure promotion in its second season in professional football.

If the final decision goes in favour of Namdhari, Kashi’s title hopes will be severely dented.