AIFF respond to Minerva Punjab ahead of their Super Cup tie

Minerva Punjab did not turn up during the pre-match press conference.

The Official pre-match Press Conference and the Match Coordination Meeting for matches slated for March 15, 2019 in the Hero Super Cup were held at the Kalinga Stadium today (March 14, 2019).

While representatives from three clubs -- FC Pune City, Kerala Blasters FC and Indian Arrows were present on both occasions, Minerva Punjab FC did not attend either despite being present in Bhubaneswar.

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However, the Club did attend their practice sessions both on Wednesday (March 13) afternoon, and also on Thursday (March 14) morning. This is extremely disappointing, and a blatant disregard for the Federation.

In case of Minerva Punjab FC not taking the field tomorrow (March 15, 2019) in the opening match of the Qualifiers of the Hero Super Cup against FC Pune City slated to kick-off at 5pm at the Kalinga Stadium, the rules and regulations of the tournament will be invoked, and the matter forwarded to the relevant authority for further action and decision.

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Earlier this week, Minerva Punjab along with six other clubs took the decision to withdraw from the tournament stating lack of support from the All India Football Federation and the unfair treatment to I-League and it's clubs.

Quess East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Chennai City FC, Aizawl, NEROCA FC, Gokulam Kerala and Minerva Punjab were the clubs behind the decision to withdraw from the Super Cup.