Was the AIFF right in revoking the suspension of Mohun Bagan?

The All India Football Federation’s decision to revoke the I-League suspension of Mohun Bagan AC after their half-time pull-out against arch rivals East Bengal Club in the Kolkata derby on December 9 has received mixed reactions. While some say the decision was right, others argue that it was completely wrong. Here is my analysis and personal opinion on the above matter, looking at the available facts.First of all, one has to pragmatically look at the above issue without any emotions, the involved clubs history and pedigree, then the final verdict has nothing to do with who is getting the punishment, then in front of the law all clubs should be the same. But after the verdict, this has to be questioned.

The I-League competition regulations under clause-22 are very clear on what would happen if a club walks out of a match, which the match commissioner thinks is playable, and Mohun Bagan still took the decision of not coming back onto the field.

On that count, Mohun Bagan were guilty as Justice A.K. Ganguly clearly stated in his judgement, and accordingly, the I-League Core Committee took its decision. For once in Indian football, a decision was being taken as per the law of the game laid down in the tournament regulations.

Now if the rule is too harsh or not is a different question, as Mohun Bagan and all other clubs signed-up to the I-League with this clause in there.

Thereafter, it was good that it was being discussed that the punishment could be reduced in the interest of the Mohun Bagan players and their legion of fans, but the final judgement given now looks like a near full take back, which surely isn’t the way forward for the AIFF and its premier club competition – the I-League.

This decision in my opinion sadly opens a Pandora’s box, as other clubs could in the future take advantage of this judgement and might walk out if they find the situation or result not favourable. This final decision leaves space for interpretation, though AIFF President Praful Patel said that the federation, the next time around, wouldn’t be as lenient with Mohun Bagan or another club.

This final verdict has left the AIFF and the I-League core committee weaker, as clubs with history and fans get away with more, and regulations are there to be broken. A very bad precedent set. On the contrary, the AIFF should have come out stronger, but now in the end, looks weak and flexible on decisions, which should be clear cut and in the general interest of Indian football.