I-League 2024-25: Rajasthan United appeal to AIFF over Real Kashmir fielding ineligible player

This appeal has been made regarding the participation of Hyder Yousuf of Real Kashmir.

I-League Club Rajasthan United FC has officially lodged an appeal with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) regarding the eligibility of a Real Kashmir FC player during their I-League fixture that happened earlier in this season. The match took place on November 24th, 2024, at the TRC Football Turf, Srinagar, where Real Kashmir FC hosted Rajasthan United FC.

“We, Rajasthan United FC, a participating team in the ongoing I-League 2024, hereby submit this formal complaint against Real Kashmir FC for fielding an ineligible player in violation of the AIFF Disciplinary Code and I-League 2024-25 regulations. During the match held on 24.11.2024 at TRC Football Turf, between Real Kashmir FC and Rajasthan United FC, Real Kashmir FC included Player No. 6 – Hyder Yousuf in their squad.”

Upon verification, we have substantial grounds to believe that this player was ineligible to participate as he had received a red card in his last match of the previous season of I-League i.e., Real Kashmir FC vs. Namdhari Football Club, held on 13.04.2024. Thus, the Ineligible Player should not have formed a part of the playing squad in the current season, in accordance with Article 39 read with Article 57 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code 2024,” the letter from Rajasthan United FC read.

Why did Rajasthan appeal over the participation of the player?

The player who is deemed to be ineligible is Hyder Yousuf, who was issued a red card during the game between Real Kashmir FC and Namdhari Football Club, held on April 13th, 2024.

Rajasthan United FC states that, according to the rules, any player who is receiving a red card in the last match of a season typically faces a suspension that gets carried over to the next season. Therefore, Hyder Yousuf should not have been part of the playing squad for Real Kashmir FC in the match against Rajasthan United FC on November 24th, 2024.

Thus, Rajasthan United FC has requested the AIFF to take action regarding this incident. Their demands include a thorough investigation into the incident. Secondly, they are requesting strict impositions on Real Kashmir, which include the possibility of declaring the match a forfeit.

They are also seeking severe measures such as exclusion from the next I-League season and/or a significant deduction of points in the upcoming season. Ultimately, it insisted that the AIFF must take the necessary steps to protect the integrity of the I-League.

What happens to the title race if Real Kashmir is sanctioned?

With Real Kashmir, who are currently positioned third in the league with 36 points and still in the race for the I-League title, AIFF’s decision on Rajasthan United’s appeal will be very crucial.

If the match is forfeited, this could potentially alter the points tally by 3 points, bringing their total to 33 points, and directly impact the winning scenario of the teams in the I-League race pushing Real Kashmir to the fifth position.

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