What’s the story?
Aizawl FC were left bemused by the All India Football Federation’s appointment of referees for the final day of I-League 2016–17. In what is a title-deciding game between Aizawl FC and Shillong Lajong, all the referees are from West Bengal, the state to which Aizawl’s title rivals Mohun Bagan belong.
After posting two separate letters addressed to the AIFF, Aizawl officials were, at the end, left confounded by the incompetence shown by Indian football’s governing body in adhering to the Mizoram-based club’s request.
The context
Aizawl FC are just a point away from winning their first ever I-League title, but they are not the only team in with a chance. Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan are three points behind, but they will win the title if they win their final game and Aizawl lose.
That the officials in the Aizawl’s final games are not swayed by regional biases, Aizawl requested the AIFF on 17th April that they do not appoint referees from Mizoram and West Bengal for all their matches as well as Bagan’s. However, their request has fallen on deaf ears as Aizawl face a nervy end to the season.
The heart of the matter
Upon knowing who the officials will be for their final game, Aizawl sent another letter to the AIFF today expressing their dismay and even giving out a thinly-veiled threat.
The last few lines of the second letter read: “I would, therefore, like to inform you that if any untoward incidents happen because of the referee judgments on the ground, Aizawl FC will bear no responsibility but AIFF inappropriate decision.”
What’s next?
It remains to be seen how much the referees influences proceedings in the North East derby between Aizawl and Lajong in Shillong later today. Should Aizawl do the unthinkable and contrive to not win the league, it can be presumed dirty scenes can unfold.
Author’s take
The AIFF have once again got themselves in a sticky patch with their absurd decision-making. In what has been a thrilling I-League season, only the AIFF could have been fathomed to play spoilsport on the final day. At a time when Indian football is gearing for an epic climax, all it needed from the AIFF was a wise choice of officials, not controversial. They have got themselves into the spotlight at a time when the players and the clubs ought to be.
