The Indian Super League has banned two co-owners of FC Goa for boycotting the prize distribution ceremony after last season's final against Chennaiyin FC, and slapped a 15-point penalty on the club for next season. Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinivas Dempo were banned for three and two years respectively, and the club was also found guilty of public criticism, threatening match officials and alleging that the Dec. 20 match was fixed, after conceding two goals in the last three minutes to lose 3-2. Goa has also been fined $1.5 million and ordered to give $150,000 to Chennaiyin toward costs. Goa, which is also co-owned by India cricket captain Virat Kohli and coached by Brazilian great Zico, has the right to appeal against the ruling. Colombian Stiven Mendoza scored a last-minute winner as Marco Materazzi's men overturned an early deficit to beat Goa 3-2 and win the second edition of the ISL last December. Following the heartbreaking loss in front of a home crowd, Goa boycotted the presentation ceremony, the post-match news conference and criticized match officials, while raising allegations of match-fixing. A police complaint was also filed against Chennaiyin's marquee player and captain Elano Blumer for assaulting Goa officials, charges which the Brazilian has denied. A video of the incident showed the Brazilian star walking towards the Goa dugout without attacking anybody, leading to media speculation that he was arrested on the behest of the FC Goa owners. A five-member ISL regulatory commission announced the sanctions against Goa Thursday for: "Boycotting match and league ceremony, public criticism, threatening match officials, alleging the match was fixed and non-adherence of league rules." The league has given FC Goa 72 hours to express intent to lodge an appeal from the time of the announcement. The owners expressed "shock" Friday at the verdict. In their first reaction, the team's owners said they were "considering all options" but held back from confirming they would appeal. The ISL is an eight-team tournament that was launched three years ago, seeking to emulate the success of cricket's Indian Premier League (IPL). — Agencies
