Indian Super League Kerala Blasters have decided to temporarily shut down its women’s team. The decision came after a fine of INR five crores was taken against them for walking out of ISL 2022-23 playoff game against Bengaluru Blasters FC. The Kochi-based side did so after a questionable goal from India and Bengaluru player, Sunil Chhetri. The All India Football Federation got involved in the matter.
They imposed a fine of four crores INR on the team. Blasters filed a complaint against this but to no avail. In the end, their fine is now increased by one crore. Apart from this, Ivan Vukumanovic, the team coach was slapped with a fine of Rs five lakh and a 10-game ban. This has resulted in the team management temporarily shutting down the women’s team.
This decision has been necessitated due to financial sanctions: Kerala Blasters
“”It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the temporary pause of our Women’s Team. This decision has been necessitated by the recent financial sanctions imposed on our club by the football federation. While we respect the authority and decisions of the federation, we cannot deny our disappointment at the impact it is likely to have across various functions of our Club.
“We deeply regret that we cannot continue our women’s team activities until such time that there is complete clarity on the matter. The decision to pause their activities was made after careful consideration and evaluation of the current circumstances. Not to mention, the Club is still awaiting further sanctions from the league body as well that are only likely to augment the financial impact on the Club.
“It is important to highlight that this pause is temporary. We will reinstate our Women’s Team upon closure of this matter in its entirety,” Kerala Blasters wrote in an official statement on their website.
Club Statement. #KBFC #KeralaBlasters
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) June 6, 2023
Meanwhile, the fans aren’t buying the statement. They have accused the franchise of making excuses to pull out of Women’s football.
Fine has nothing to do with this, the club initiated discussion even long before. They are just covering things up in the name of fine! Painful!
— ? ????? ? (@Charlie_d_q_2) June 6, 2023
They would have shut it anyway. This excuse just fell into their lap.
— Madhav (@mgp_cok) June 6, 2023
Sounds like kbfc were looking for a way out of women's football, and the fine was just that…
— Artur Da Costa (@ArturMarc81) June 6, 2023
Actually,
KBFC tried to blackmail AIFF by saying if u take the fine we will have to stop the women's team….#Shamefull— Peeyush #AAP #IndianFootball (@PiyushAAPwala) June 6, 2023
I love the fact that a current NT player is coming forward & speaking. @aditi03chauhan ??
— Sahil Gawas (@SahilGawas17) June 6, 2023
Not everyone is same. Gokulam Kerala women's team is doing wonders. EastBengal Women's team is also grabbing up cups and trophies.
Many more are following too.
— Probal Datta ?? (@ProbalDatta5) June 6, 2023
— Ansar Hakeem (@AnsarHakeem6) June 6, 2023
fine has nothing to do with the decision , the decision was taken long back , before the controversial incident happened. Blame the management , not the men's team.
— chumma ? (@flowerallafire) June 6, 2023
Ivan should have Thinked before walking out. KBFC management ??
— Nagulesh MSD?? (@MsdNagulesh) June 6, 2023
This is just an excuse it was on the verge of shutting down anyways
— Playmkr. (@playmkronyt) June 6, 2023
