Chandigarh: Former I-League champions Minerva Punjab FC Tuesday claimed they have pulled out from the upcoming Super Cup along with six other I-League teams, citing unfair treatment to the clubs by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The shocking development comes barely two days before the start of the tournament and could well throw the schedule into disarray. Apart from Minerva, the other clubs are East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, champions Chennai City FC, Aizawl FC, Gokulam Kerala and Neroca FC.
“Minerva’s withdrawal is in unison with the united withdrawal of all I-league clubs from the Super cup due to reasons mentioned in identical letters sent by all clubs to All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary, Kushal Das today,” Minerva Punjab said in a statement.
Bagan secretary Srinjoy Bose was not forthcoming when this agency contacted him but dropped a broad hint at withdrawal from the tournament when he said, “We all are united in this fight, this much I can say, rest you will see tomorrow.”
The Super Cup is scheduled to be held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, with the Qualifiers starting from March 15. The final is slated for April 13.
In the letter to the AIFF, Minerva pointed out that the I-League clubs are being neglected in all aspects by the country’s football federation.
The Chandigarh-based club also highlighted how the AIFF has ‘not provided any financial assistance to the participating teams’ despite having a title sponsor for the event. With no AFC competitions also on offer, the club felt the competition lacked any incentive for the teams.