Chennaiyin FC Raise Conflict of Interest Allegations Against FC Goa co-owner Srinivas Dempo

Chennaiyin FC, reigning Indian Super League champions, on Monday raised the issue of conflict of interest against FC Goa co-owner Srinivas Dempo and asked the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to take action against him. (Indian Super League: Chennaiyin FC Captain Elano Arrested For Assaulting FC Goa Co-Owner)

Dempo also holds the position of vice-president in the AIFF. "Chennaiyin FC would like to raise the issue that the co-owner of FC Goa Mr Srinivas Dempo holds the position of vice-president of AIFF which clearly creates a conflict of interest situation," the club said in a letter to the ISL Regulatory Commission. (Chennaiyin FC's Indian Super League Star Elano Released, Flies Back to Brazil After Bail)

"Office bearers of the AIFF having commercial interests in ISL teams create a situation where there could be a potential risk of professional judgment or actions regarding a primary interest (i.e. in this case, being an office bearer of the AIFF) being influenced by a secondary interest (i.e. co-owner of FC Goa)," the Chennai-based club co-owned by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan said in the letter. (Chennaiyin FC Beat FC Goa to Lift Indian Super League Title)

"Therefore, an appropriate action needs to be taken against FC Goa and Mr Srinivas Dempo," it added.

Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa have been at the loggerheads after their summit clash of the ISL in December last in Goa, where the Chennai side emerged 3-2 winners in a controversy-marred match.

FC Goa had boycotted the prize distribution ceremony after the final, alleging that Chennaiyin FC marquee player Elano Blumer had assaulted and abused team co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar.

Salgaocar himself filed an FIR and Goa police even detained Blumer for a few hours before he was released. The Brazilian later left for home.

Following the incident, Chennaiyin FC were issued notices by both the AIFF and the ISL's own Regulatory Commission to respond on the matter.

Last month, the AIFF Disciplinary Committee slapped a fine of Rs. 50 lakh on FC Goa over the issue. But on appeal by Chennaiyin FC, the Appeals Committee of the AIFF deferred a decision on the issue, saying it needs further clarification regarding double jeopardy and jurisdiction of ISL over this matter.

The ISL's Regulatory Commission, reconstituted last month, has two retired High Court judges, a former Director General of Police, among others.