ISL 2019-20 | FC Pune City handed transfer ban and fined for illegal dealing

The star midfielder had a one-year contract left with Chennai City when he agreed to sign a "pre-contract" with Indian Super League side for the 2019-20 season. And after it was proved in the court, the player’s status committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed a two-window transfer ban on the club apart from a fine of Rs 5 lakh. 

After a dismal season in the league last year, Pune have struggled to get the right players. However, they could still sign players in the ongoing transfer window with the ban starting from the January winter window. 

Apart from the Pune, Gordillo has also been handed a four-month ban for signing the “pre-contract”. He has also been asked to pay a compensation of three-months salary to the club and a fine of Rs 50,000 to the AIFF.

"In light of the facts, circumstances and the Committee’s findings in the present  case, and considering the position of law examined in this regard, this Committee finds  that, Mr. Nestor Jesus Gordillo Benitez, the Player has breached the contract signed between Chennai City Football Club and the Player and hence, is under Article 21(1) of  the AIFF RSTP, the Player is directed to serve a four-month ban from playing in any official matches organised by or under the aegis of AIFF from the date of communication of this decision. Moreover, the Player is directed to pay a one-time compensation amounting to 3 (three) months of the Player’s salary to CCFC along with a fine of Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand) to AIFF, both being payable within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of communication of this decision," the statement read about Gordillo’s punishment.

"Today's verdict shows our stand is vindicated and justice has prevailed. FC Pune City consistently lied about their acts and they have been thoroughly exposed today. I hope this verdict is a lesson for the big teams to stop going behind the smaller clubs and do such deals. As a small I-League club, we take a lot of effort to identify and sign potential talents. One of our revenue streams is the transfers business and such acts affect the valuation of players,” he said. 

FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel has stated that the franchise would be appealing to the AIFF's Appeal Committee for the same and decided the future course of action.