Minerva Punjab to get re-match against Real Kashmir, RKFC plans appeal

Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC, who pulled out of their I-League clash against Real Kashmir in Srinagar citing security concerns, will get a re-match, the All India Football Federation has ruled but the debutant side has decided to challenge the order.

The February 18 game did not take place after Minerva refused to travel to Srinagar, insisting that their foreign players had been advised against it by their respective embassies in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

"With the current situation in Kashmir not conducive to conduct a match, and keeping in mind the current extraordinary situation as well as the desire of teams to play football on the field, the match stands rescheduled to be held after March 6, 2019, at a time and location feasible for AIFF, and the participating teams," the AIFF said in a statement.

It is learnt, the match could be held in Delhi on March 12.

Officials in Real Kashmir said the club is likely to file an appeal against the decision and called it "against the laid down norms of FIFA".

The club, which is at present fourth in the I-League points table, cited a 2006 national Football League match between Air India and Fransa-Pax. Fransa-Pax had not turned up for the match, citing poor refereeing in a previous game. The AIFF called for a re-match but Air India challenged the call before a jury and were awarded three points.

Minerva, on the other hand, maintained that the AIFF failed to give written security assurances that were sought by the club after the terror attack which killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.

"Minerva had always maintained their stance that security was the main concern regarding the team's decision to not travel to Srinagar for the match against Real Kashmir," club owner Ranjit Bajaj said in a statement.

"The club's stance has now been vindicated by the committee's decision," he added.

Real Kashmir had asserted that the situation in Srinagar was "safe and was under control" on the match day and and security was in place, including a team bus with bullet-proof escort vehicles waiting at the airport.

However, while referring the matter to the AIFF Emergency Committee, the I-League Committee said there was "nothing in writing which may demonstrate that they (Real Kashmir and AIFF) have given any undertaking or assurance for the safety of the players and the match officials, as requested by the Minerva."
"...the match which was originally scheduled to be played at Srinagar between Real Kashmir FC and East Bengal on 28 February, 2019 was also shifted to New Delhi."
Asked if there was still a chance of the match being held in Srinagar, Dhar said, "Let us wait for what Real Kashmir wants, in their reply."