Srinagar, Feb 18: The I-league match scheduled on Monday, between Real Kashmir FC and Minerva Punjab FCC, was cancelled as Minvera Punjab FCC cited security concern for not turning up to play in Srinagar.
Minvers Punjab had early expressed security concerns after Pulwama attack and had sought written assurance from authority for security of the club.
MPFCC on Sunday issued statement which reads, “Minerva Punjab had asked home team and All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) to produce written assurance/permission from Ministry of home affairs GOI or Indian army for match to go ahead.”
“In fact no written assurance has been given by any authority .Therefore we are not expected to travel to Srinagar at our own risk.”Statement read.
An official of home team RKFC said, “We were all set to play and every things was in place which include adequate security arrangements and league officials had also informed the match commissioners about the match two days ago.”
After Minerva Punjab failed to turn-up for the match, AIFF released a statementwhich read, “With I-league defending champion failing to turn-up for match against RKFC on 18 February 2019 .Match commissioners report are being referred to AIFF for further action as per I -league regulation.”
Football pundits said that RKFC are likely to be awarded 3 points.
AIFF in the statement also said that despite tragic event in Pulwama, Santosh trophy matches were played in Katra.
