Dempo mum on reports Delta Corp buying stakes in FC Goa

Panaji, Jul 16: FC Goa co-owner Shrinivas Dempo today chose to remain tight-lipped on reports that gaming giant Delta Corp will buy majority stakes in the club owned by him and Dattaraj Salgaocar.

"I wish to offer no comment. We have filed an appeal before the committee (ISL regulatory committee) on various penalties imposed on us. The order is expected on July 22," Dempo told PTI, reacting to media reports that owners of FC Goa want to sell 65 per cent of stakes to Delta Corp.

FC Goa, the runners-up of the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL), had run into troubles after they had boycotted the prize distribution ceremony following their verbal duel with Chennaiyin FC captain Elano Blumer during the final match of the season, held last year on December 20.

Subsequently, FC Goa were slapped a Rs 11 crore fine and the co-owners Dempo and Salgaocar were banned from participating in ISL for next two and three seasons, respectively. They were also docked 15 points for the ISL 3.

The club had challenged the order of the tournament's Regulatory Commission. As per the club's appeal, no opportunity was given to cross examine any of the witnesses and no opportunity was accorded to FC Goa to present evidence as to what actually transpired on December 20 last year.

The club had also pointed out that the AIFF Appeals Committee has directed that status quo be maintained with regard to the hearings before the ISL Regulatory Commission.

The committee heard FC Goa co-owners on June 9 and 10 in Mumbai and were supposed to give the verdict on July 14, which is now deferred to July 22.

PTI