Chandigarh, Mar 12:
Minerva Punjab FC today claimed they have pulled out of the upcoming Super Cup along with seven other I-League teams, citing unfair treatment to the clubs by the All India Football Federation.
The shocking development comes barely two days before the start of the Super Cup and could well throw the schedule into disarray.
Former champions Minerva Punjab finished 10th in the just-concluded 2018-19 season of the league.
“Minerva’s withdrawal is in unison with the united withdrawal of all I-league clubs (barring Shillong Lajong, Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Indian Arrows) from the Super cup due to reasons mentioned in identical letters sent by all clubs to All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary, Kushal Das today,” Minerva Punjab said in a statement.
Mohun Bagan secretary Srinjoy Bose was not forthcoming when PTI contacted him but dropped a broad hint at withdrawal from the tournament when he said, “We all are united in this fight, this much I can say, rest you will see tomorrow.
The Super Cup is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar, with the Qualifiers starting from March 15. The final is slated for April 13.
Minerva Punjab pointed out that the I-League clubs are being neglected in all aspects by the country’s football federation. (PTI)
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