Goa are facing hefty sanctions for a raft of infractions in the Indian Super League, including accusations of match-fixing and failing to fulfill formal and media duties following their ISL final defeat to Chennaiyin last year.
Should the outfit coached by former Brazilian great Zico fail to lodge a successful appeal against the penalties, Goa will be docked 15 points next season and fined 110 million rupees (US$1.65 million).
Additionally, a pair of club owners would be banned for three and two years respectively.
Colombian Stiven Mendoza scored a last-minute winner as Marco Materazzi’s men overturned an early deficit to beat Goa 3-2 and win the second edition of the ISL in December last year.
Following the heartbreaking loss in front of a home crowd, Goa boycotted the presentation ceremony, the post-match news conference and criticized match officials, while raising allegations of match-fixing.
A police complaint was also filed against Chennaiyin’s marquee player and captain Elano Blumer for assaulting Goa officials, charges the Brazilian has denied.
A five-member ISL regulatory commission announced the sanctions against Goa on Thursday for: “Boycotting match and league ceremony, public criticism, threatening match officials, alleging the match was fixed and non-adherence of league rules.”
The league gave Goa 72 hours to express intent to lodge an appeal from the time of the announcement.
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