FC Goa Faces AFC Disciplinary Action Over 15-Second Match Delay Protest
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has issued a formal charge notice to FC Goa following their recent AFC Champions League Two match against Istiklol FC at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The charge stems from what the AFC deems improper conduct after the Indian club delayed the kick-off of their concluding group-stage clash by approximately 15 seconds.
The Incident That Triggered AFC's Response
According to the match report filed by commissioner Alisher Nikimbaev from Uzbekistan, FC Goa players refused to start the match and squatted for around 15 seconds. This brief but deliberate action was intended to draw attention to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Indian domestic football, particularly the delayed start of the league season.
After the match concluded with a 2-1 victory for the Tajikistan side Istiklol FC, FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena was summoned by the match commissioner. The Spanish forward explained that the players did not mean to disrespect either opposing team, AFC, nor any other entity, but rather wanted to highlight the precarious situation facing professional football in India.
FC Goa's Detailed Defense Against the Charges
In their formal response to the AFC, FC Goa has mounted a comprehensive defense through club CEO Ravi Puskur. The club argues that their actions were:
- Minimal and non-disruptive in nature
- Rooted in sentimental and personal expression of concern for their professional future
- Not intended to convey any political message or exert pressure on governing bodies
- Conducted without any verbal protest, gestures of dissent, or refusal to comply with match officials
Puskur emphasized that the match commenced immediately, proceeded to completion, and was conducted in a fully sporting, professional, and orderly manner. He further noted that there was no impact on match integrity, safety, scheduling, broadcasting, or competitive fairness.
The Broader Context of Indian Football Uncertainty
FC Goa's defense highlights that the AFC is already fully aware of the broader uncertainty affecting Indian domestic football during this period. The club describes this as a matter that has been widely acknowledged within the football ecosystem, suggesting their protest merely brought visible attention to an already recognized problem.
The match against Istiklol FC represented Goa's final group-stage appearance, played without several foreign players due to injuries, suspensions, and departures. The club finished at the bottom of their group without securing any points throughout the tournament.
Potential Outcomes and FC Goa's Request to AFC
FC Goa has formally requested the AFC disciplinary and ethics committee to consider several factors in their deliberation:
- The limited nature and context of the 15-second delay
- The proportionality of the incident compared to potential sanctions
- The mitigating circumstances surrounding the action
The club has asked the committee to rule that their conduct does not warrant the imposition of any severe or sporting sanction. Should the committee find a technical breach of regulations, FC Goa has requested consideration of mitigating factors in determining any necessary sanction.
The charge notice falls under Article 57.1 of the AFC Champions League Two regulations, which governs conduct during matches. The outcome of this disciplinary proceeding could set an important precedent for how football governing bodies address player protests related to broader systemic issues within national football structures.
