Sections of AIFF against Mohun Bagan ban

The iconic club had been banned for abandoning its I-League derby against East Bengal last December, citing security concerns. The I-League core committee of the AIFF endorsed the decision of Justice A K Ganguly.

In his report, the judge concluded that Mohun Bagan's decision not to play the second half could not be supported on the grounds of force majeure.

"The executive committee has no right to overturn the verdict of High Court judge. The question is how can you come to a conclusion on the basis of the report submitted by the judge. In my view, it's very unfair," said an AIFF official on condition of anonymity.

Mohun Bagan had appealed to the AIFF to review the suspension but the official said that the ban is set to stay -- unless the I-League regulations are amended -- as the federation is not entitled to overrule the decision.

"They can only do it if they amend the regulations. Otherwise, what Mohun Bagan can only expect is some leniency as far as imposing fines are concerned, the monetary aspect," another official added. MORE