Indian Super League Regulatory Commission hand out heavy penalty to FC Goa

On 5 May 2016, the Indian Super League (ISL) Regulatory Commission (the Commission) reached its decision in the high profile disciplinary case against FC Goa.

The matter arose out of a large scale fracas that followed FC Goa’s defeat to Chennayin FC in final of the second edition of the ISL in December 2015.¹ In a tightly contested final, Chennayin FC prevailed with the help of two goals towards the end of the game.² However,

• After the final whistle, there was a large scuffle involving the players and officials from both sides.³
• In the ensuing fracas, Chennayin’s marquee signing, Elano (formerly of Manchester City), appeared to be surrounded by players and officials from FC Goa, including the co-owners of the franchise, one of whom lodged a complaint with the police.⁴
• Following the incident, Elano was arrested and taken to the police station on the charges of voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint and intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.⁵
• The former Manchester City player was released shortly after on bail however, and was allowed to leave the country.⁶

After the incident, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Disciplinary Committee served FC Goa with a notice to show cause as to why action shouldn’t be taken against them. The alleged violations against them included "team misconduct", "offensive behaviour", "threat to match officials" and "bringing disrepute to the game".⁷ In March 2016, the AIFF also fined the franchise fifty lakh rupees ($75,000) for not having attended the post-match presentation ceremony following the final in 2015.⁸