ISL 2020-21: AIFF issues statement on refereeing standard as Juan Ferrando joins list of aggrieved coaches

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released a statement on the standard of refereeing in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season following complaints regarding the same from multiple teams. Chennaiyin FC, SC East Bengal and now FC Goa are amongst the teams who have questioned the level of officiating in the tournament so far.

The Gaurs’ head coach Juan Ferrando was extremely scathing in his assessment of the referees following last night’s defeat against ATK Mohun Bagan. “A lot of people back in Spain watched this game and asked me if this is a joke. It's incredible. Even in our last game against Odisha FC two penalties were clear (which were not given). Even today, the penalty against (Jorge) Ortiz was clear,” he said, referring to Carl McHugh’s escape without any punishment after he had clearly leant into Ortiz as he was about to pull the trigger from inside the box.

“I have 20 players in the dressing room crying because they are hard-working. I don't have a lot of time. We have four games in 20 days and so it is important for us to recover. In the end, now we know that the final score does not depend on us," the 39-year-old fumed.

This, coincidentally, comes just a day after AIFF general secretary Kushal Das responded to similar grievances. He said, “To be honest, we’ve had problems with refereeing, not just this season but previously too. But the AIFF, FSDL, and PGMOL have started the process of improving referees, coaching them. It will take some time for the results to show.”

He also asked all relevant stakeholders to be patient with this as it is going to take time to rectify the situation internally. There has been some clamour to bring in foreign referees too. To this, he replied, “How long can you get foreign referees? The most important aspect is to develop our own referees. Even if you get foreign referees, they can officiate only certain matches. It’s financially not feasible. The process of developing (referees) has already started and in due course, the results will show.”