AIFF to decide on Real Kashmir-Minerva Punjab match

The fate of the I-League match between Real Kashmir FC and Minerva Punjab FC will be decided by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) League Committee, according to a statement issued by the AIFF on Monday. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack that killed 49 CRPF troopers, defending I-League champions Minerva Punjab decided not to travel to Srinagar for Monday's match against Real Kashmir. Minerva Punjab wrote to the AIFF, requesting them to shift the match from Srinagar.

The statement issued by AIFF read: "With Hero I-League defending champions Minerva Punjab FC failing to turn up for their scheduled match against Real Kashmir FC on February 18 at TRC ground in Srinagar, the match commissioner's report along with other relevant documents are being referred to the All India Football Federation's League Committee for further action as per the I-League Regulations." In the statement, AIFF also maintained that despite the tragic events in Jammu and Kashmir recently, the match commissioner, the referees (posted in Srinagar from February 15) and the host club Real Kashmir FC were present at the venue for the match which was slated for a 2 p.m. kick-off on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)