Mumbai: Expressing serious concern at the unsavoury incidents that happened after the Indian Super League final in Goa yesterday, All India Football Federation president Praful Patel on Monday said he was awaiting the match commissioner's report before cracking the whip on the wrongdoers.
"I am waiting for the match commissioner's report. It was an unfortunate incident and absolutely unacceptable. Nobody has the right to hold the football law into his own hands," Patel told reporters at the Cooperage stadium.
Goa police last night arrested Elano Blumer, captain of ISL-winning team Chennaiyin FC, for allegedly assaulting co-owner of FC Goa team Dattaraj Salgaoncar during post-match celebrations at Nehru Stadium at Margao after the game.
Taking strong exception to the brawl, the ISL today said it does not accept "such behaviour" and referred the matter to its disciplinary committee.
Patel, here to watch the practice match between the AIFF under-17 team that is preparing for the 2017 U-17 World Cup (to be hosted by India in two years' time) and its state (WIFA) counterparts, said the federation needs to send a strong signal to the international football community by the course of action taken.
"We have to be firm and strict so that it does not impact the international community, whether it is referees or players, from participating in India. We are also governed by FIFA's (world football governing body) code of conduct.
"If tomorrow, our player was to go and play in another country and something was to happen to him or the referee, what would be our situation? We have to take very strong measures.
"As I said I am awaiting the match commissioner's report, which I expect to get by tomorrow. I am completely aghast at whatever has happened. I have reacted very strongly and also consult AFC and FIFA on the next course of action. Guidelines have been given and will act according to them," Patel said.
Patel also supported the eight-year ban imposed today by FIFA's ethics tribunal on Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, saying they had abused their positions in a USD 2 million payment made to Platini.
"When he (Blatter) was in position (as FIFA president) and helped India, we were grateful. But this is a question of ethics, morality and corruption. If Ethics Committee has taken a decision to ban them, we respect that ban," said the AIFF chief.
Patel said he was confident that whoever succeeds the FIFA chief would be as supportive of India's cause as Swiss Blatter was.
"We cannot be sympathetic to any wrongdoing in FIFA. We were not part of that. We were only happy that when he was there he was giving us support. I am confident that whoever comes (to power) will give us equal support.
"Don't think India is not recognised in world football community. We may not be great in ranking, but people know India needs to be supported. That's my job (to get that support)," he said.
Patel also hit out at Bharat FC for withdrawing from the I-League after just one year.
"Bharat FC has done a great disservice to Indian football. They represent the Kalyani group which is a formidable group. They should not (have) come as a casual visitor to football.
"I gave it (I-League berth) because they were Kalyani and we thought they were passionate and had the wherewithal to do it. But they came as casual visitors and went away as casual visitors.
"In future I will be careful as to who are serious. They did a last-minute hash job (of forming a team), came last (in the league table) and left. We don't want such kind of people.
We will be fine with 9 (teams in I-League)," he said.
"This year DSK group has started. We have taken DSK (on board) because of the kind of involvement they have even without (before) joining I-League. Already 2-3 people are talking on I-league," he added.
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