No Relegation From I-League 2024-25 As Delhi FC And SC Bengaluru Get Relief
Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru have been granted a temporary reprieve from relegation by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeal Committee, pending a final decision on their submissions against the AIFF's disciplinary panel ruling.
Two interim orders, dated 24 May and obtained by PTI, show that both clubs contested the AIFF Disciplinary Committee's decisions to relegate them from the 2024-25 I-League season after they finished among the bottom two in the 12-team league.
The Appeal Committee, chaired by Justice (Retd.) Rajesh Tandon and including members Ashok K Tripathi and Priyanka Mishra, noted that the circumstances necessitated keeping any relegation-related actions 'in abeyance" until the final hearing.
'On behalf of AIFF, time has been sought for 2 days to file the objections; however, the circumstances of the case warrant that any order passed for relegation shall remain in abeyance and shall not be acted upon till the final hearing of the present appeal itself," stated both orders.
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Sporting Club Bengaluru, in its appeal, argued that Namdhari FC fielded an 'ineligible player" during a match, a breach they claim entitles them to three points. Their advocate asserted that the Disciplinary Committee overlooked crucial provisions (Article 57 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code) and that relegation has penal consequences, infringing upon Article 19 of the Indian Constitution (protection of rights). If granted, this could alter the standings and potentially place Aizawl FC in the relegation zone.
Delhi FC questioned the process and rationale behind their demotion, citing AIFF's own past precedents where relegation had been waived. Their legal counsel argued that relegation constitutes penal consequences, thus invoking Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.
The Appeal Committee observed in both cases that the Disciplinary Committee seemed to have overlooked key aspects of the relegation process and noted the serious implications involved. The Committee also directed that a copy of the appeal documents be sent to Aizawl FC, allowing them the opportunity to join the proceedings if they wish.
According to the official standings after the conclusion of the I-League last month, SC Bengaluru (21 points) and Delhi FC (14 points) finished in the last two spots — 11th and 12th respectively.
The next hearing for both appeals is scheduled for Thursday at the AIFF office in New Delhi.
(With inputs from PTI)
First Published:
May 28, 2025, 10:44 IST
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