Mohun Bagan - Juventus déjà vu and I-League hereafter
AIFF’s decision to ban the Kolkatan giants after having refused to take the field in the second half of the Derby against arch rivals East Bengal on 9th December 2012 at the Salt Lake Stadium following the injury to their star player Syed Rahim Nabi has sparked debates all around, with divided opinions on the ban.
If 9th December was thought to go down as a black day in Indian football, 29th December was even worse, the day when the fate of one of India’s oldest football clubs was decided, a two year ban.
What Mohun Bagan did on the day was justified because the lives of the players were at stake, but the way was improper. Firstly, they made a mockery of their decision having played the injury time in the first half and then, absolutely sat back in the dressing room, with no force or warnings able to get them back.
FIFA rules state that, “If an object thrown by a spectator hits the referee or one of the assistant referees or a player or team official, the referee may allow the match to continue, suspend play or abandon the match depending on the severity of the incident.”
Mohun Bagan hence should have at least taken the field and then cited the concern to the referee and match official, who then would have had an option to take the call on the fate of the match. There is a provision in which the match can go on in empty stands. But Mohun Bagan didn’t show the will to play, and instead were stubborn and adamant on their call, not to take the field. Probably they were too overawed by their power and influence that they didn’t think of the possible consequences.
Mohun Bagan hence, had infringed the laws and AIFF were just in slapping a ban, in a way setting an example that howsoever big or powerful you may be, rules are rules, which is a good sign and the message it sends across speaks volumes of professionalism here, which the incident had raised doubts of. To add to this, the Kolkatan outfit had no regrets and instead took the course of the court, which proved to be the final nail in the coffin for them.
On the other hand, a two year ban seems to be a tad harsh on them and doesn’t augur well for Indian football. Probably AIFF could have lessened the ban to this season and slapped a monetary fine or penalty points. Another fact is that no one has pointed out that probably East Bengal too were guilty of impeachment. FIFA law states, “Match organisers, associations and clubs must take all reasonable measures necessary to ensure safety in and around the stadium.”
Being the home side, East Bengal were the organizers and had all the responsibility to take care of the proceedings. Even they should have been punished, not as severe as the Bagan outfit or even close, but should consider themselves lucky having got away.
I-League hereafter?
Though Mohun Bagan have appealed to the AIFF to review the decision and have even decided upon knocking the legal doors, if the ban stays, what is the future of Indian football and its top-tier competition, the I-League? Here is a look at possible outcomes:
- With I-League already in dire straits with regard to fan base, Indian football and the league may lose the biggest fan base in Bagan supporters.
- Given the fans have been loyal and would stay with their side in tough times, probably the biggest talking point would be whether Bagan will be able to keep hold of their star players in Odafa, Tolgay, Nabi and Chhetri.
- The I-League Derby on 9th December saw close to a lakh supporters gracing the ground, which made for an electric atmosphere and an ambience to die for, a rare sight in Indian football. But, with Bagan now suspended for another two years, the fans will have to do away without it; the highly anticipated Derby.
- With Bagan not contesting in the I-League even the next season, as of now, what would be the number of teams that drop down to the lower tier, second division football? Does that mean only one team would be relegated this time around? or two? What would happen to the teams and points, who have already played against Bagan?
- With clubs like JCT and Mahindra United shut some time back and with the fate of Bagan going against their wish, could this mean trouble times for Kolkata football or probably a dearth?
- The future of the coach Karim Bencherifa would also be interesting. Having just regained his position as the coach of Bagan and with this incident, where is the Morrocan headed, given CFL or second division football won’t fascinate the egoistic man.
- It would also be interesting to note the reactions of the fellow teams once the fresh table and fixtures come up, reportedly on 9th January.
Probably one good thing for the club may happen and that is they may identify who the real fans of the club are; the ones who stand by in tough times.
Though Indian football now may be like a Samosa without aloo, football without fans, Dabbang without Salman or Music without Rehman, but as they say, no individual is bigger than the game and when cricket can run without Sachin, football can do without Bagan.
But, as a true Indian football fan, I would like AIFF to offer some respite to the Bagan outfit. The future of the players, the staff, are all at stake. There are players whose families entirely depend on them and this may be a disastrous for them.