Minerva Punjab seeks written assurance for their I-League encounter against Real Kashmir

Minerva Punjab FC had shed light on the recent reports that the team had forfeited the match against Real Kashmir FC upon security concerns over the recent terrorist attacks in Pulwama, just 20 km away from Srinagar. However, Minerva Punjab FC had denied such allegations and the club had addressed its safety concerns, seeking a formal assurance or permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI or Indian Army to take part in the match.

“Minerva Punjab FC FC is ready to play the match at any safe venue. Minerva Punjab FC FC had asked the home team and AIFF to produce written assurance/permission from Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI or Indian Army for the match to go ahead, which have not been given to us till now. In fact, no written safety assurance has been given by any authority at all. Therefore, we cannot be expected to travel to Srinagar at our own risk,” said the club, via Twitter.

The club owner had however quoted as saying that Minerva Punjab FC would not play the match under the given circumstances and would forfeit the game. He had also asserted on the decision saying that there was no second thought behind it. 

In a sudden turn of events, the club had returned an official statement which mentioned that the foreign players were advised not to take part in the match and added that it was not too much for a team to ask while seeking a safe match venue. The statement also clarified that if the match was treated as forfeited, the club would move to the court. 

“ When foreign players are being advised not to travel to a region, how can the club force them to travel based on verbal assurances? If three points are given to Real Kashmir FC despite failing to provide security assurances then we will appeal the decision and consider moving to court for relief,” the statement read.

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