AFC and FIFA rain down fines on Mohun Bagan
I-League champions Mohun Bagan have been handed fines amassing to $20000 by the AFC disciplinary committee and the FIFA, after being found guilty of breaching three different rules – ranging from failure to submit match DVD, kit infringements to non-payment of dues.
The Mariners have been fined $3000 for violating article 48.1.2 during their AFC Cup match against Maldives' Maziya S&RC. Article 48.1.2 states, "One (1) copy of match DVD or USB flash drive for each match played at its stadium to the AFC latest the day after the match.", and according to AFC, Bagan had failed to submit the DVD on time.
"The fine shall be settled within 30 days from the date that this decision is communicated in accordance with Article 11.3 of the AFC Disciplinary Code. Mohun Bagan (IND) is informed that a repeat violation of this provision will be met with more severe punishment," a statement by the AFC read.
The defending champions were also fined $10,000 for violating two rules regarding kits during their match against Yangon United last month. In the second half of the match, a couple of Mohun Bagan players wore jerseys which depicted the club's commercial sponsors – something which the AFC does not allow the clubs to do in the AFC Cup.
The third of their fines came for non-payment of dues to players Gustavo Silva Conceicao and Okwy Okonkwo Diamondstar. Gustavo had played for the Kolkata based club last season in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) on trial, before Bagan decided not to sign him permanently. While the Aussie Diamonstar played for Bagan in the 2010-11 season in the I-League, and is yet to receive his payment from the club.