Kerala Blasters lose CAS appeal, will have to pay Rs 4 crore fine for ‘walkout’ at AIFF – Firstpost

Kerala Blasters FC suffered a setback as their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) sanction proved unsuccessful. Kerala Blasters will now have to pay AIFF Rs 4 crore for their ‘walkout’ against Bengaluru FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) match last season. The mandate gives the club a two-week deadline to fulfill its financial obligations, including covering legal costs incurred by the AIFF in fighting the case.

According to a senior official cited by India Times, the AIFF was vindicated by the CAS – a body which is the leading global platform for resolving sports-related disputes. Kerala Blasters had argued that its management was unable to communicate with the team and hence sought lesser punishment under the AIFF and ISL ethics rules.

The AIFF Disciplinary Commission had accused Kerala Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic of “bringing the game into disrepute” over his decision to order the team to abandon the match against Bengaluru after an appeal controversial refereeing that led to Sunil Chhetri’s goal.

“The AIFF has always had strong arguments and this is now reflected in the decision of the CAS, which is the world’s premier forum for resolving sporting disputes,” a senior official was quoted as saying by YOU.

Reports also confirmed that officials repeatedly tried to reason with Vukomanovic. Referee Crystal John also sought to intervene and chat with the head coach near the touchline, while match commissioner Amit Dharap conveyed the consequences of his failure to return to the field to the team manager. team, Manish Kochar.

The AIFF disciplinary committee had then imposed a fine of Rs 4 crore on Kerala Blasters as they felt that abandoning the game was against the principles of fair play, respect and integrity.

Kerala Blasters appealed this decision, but the committee upheld the original sanction, considering it appropriate.