Nervous wait as AIFF appeals committee concludes final hearing

Panaji: The appeals committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has concluded the final hearing in Namdhari FC’s appeal against the disciplinary committee order to award Inter Kashi three points after they were found to have fielded an ineligible player.
The AIFF appeals committee headed by Retd. Justice (High Court) Rajesh Tandon listened to submissions from Namdhari representative on Friday. The chairperson, who was physically present in the Capital while other members joined virtually, also gave a patient hearing to representatives of Inter Kashi, Churchill Brothers FC and Real Kashmir.
Churchill and Kashmir are not directly related to the appeal, but they had their own grievances. While Churchill, who finished on top with 40 points, wanted to be crowned champions, Kashmir pointed out how the delay in finalising the table was creating financial uncertainty since there was no clarity on when the prize money would be disbursed.
“The final hearing is now over and the decision can be expected in the next 24 to 48 hours,” said a senior official. “There is a possibility that only a decision will be conveyed first while the grounds of the decision will be provided in a detailed order next week.”
The decision is crucial and will confirm the I-League champions.
Kashi were initially given three points by the AIFF disciplinary committee since Namdhari were adjudged to have fielded an ineligible player – Cledson Carvalho da Silva – who was suspended due to accumulation of cards in its match played on Jan 13. Namdhari won the game 2-0
The appeals committee, however, stayed that decision on March 27.
Should the appeals committee decision go against Namdhari, it will mean Kashi get the three points and their points tally will be 42, two more than Churchill Brothers.
Should the decision go in Namdhari’s favour, Churchill will be crowned champions.
Early this week, four clubs – Namdhari, Churchill, Real Kashmir and Delhi FC -- moved the Delhi High Court against the AIFF “for its cherry-picking policy of listing cases and tweaking their internal judicial process to suit the agenda of Inter Kashi.”
According to a media statement from Churchill, “the Delhi HC after hearing arguments, issued notice to AIFF which curiously chose not to appear despite being served with the case papers in line with rules for mandatory advance service.” The case has will next be heard on April 23 and the four clubs have been allowed to move an additional application to seek further directions for the AIFF to dutifully implement its League rules.
“We believe that our rights will only be upheld through courts since the AIFF is clearly not interested in impartially governing Indian football,” said Churchill. “We remain confident that the football loving public and all other stakeholders will join us in raising their voice against the AIFF for this continued mal-administration.”