AIFF Disciplinary Committee suspends Mohun Bagan's Armando Sadiku

Armando Sadiku will not be able to take part in the ISL final.

Mohun Bagan’s dream of defending their Indian Super League (ISL) title has suffered a major setback with the AIFF Disciplinary Committee suspending their star forward Armando Sadiku for four games. The Albanian striker, who has been a key figure for the Mariners this season, will now miss the crucial ISL final scheduled for Saturday.

Big blow for Mohun Bagan 👀#IndianFootball #LetsFootball #ISL #ISL10 #MohunbaganSupergiants #MohunBagan #MBSG #AllIndiaFootballFederation #ArmandoSadiku pic.twitter.com/efrhhdfgf8

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) April 29, 2024

The exact nature of the offense that led to Sadiku’s suspension remains undisclosed. However, it comes as a significant blow to Mohun Bagan’s attacking force. Sadiku has been in impressive form throughout the season, contributing significantly with his goals and overall gameplay. He has scored eight goals for the Mariners and played a key role in the attacking third.

His absence will leave a big hole to fill for coach Antonio Habas, who will have to find a way to replace Sadiku’s attacking threat in the biggest game of the season. Jason Cummings will be the man who will shoulder the responsibility on his behalf.

Having played a crucial role throughout the season, Sadiku’s absence will be keenly felt by both his teammates and the coaching staff. His contributions on the pitch have been instrumental in guiding Mohun Bagan to the showdown, making his suspension all the more disappointing for the team and its supporters.

The news of Sadiku’s suspension has sparked debate among Indian football fans. Some believe the punishment is too harsh, while others feel it sends a strong message about maintaining discipline on the pitch. Regardless, Mohun Bagan now face a huge challenge as they prepare for the ISL final without their key striker.

The Mariners’ opponents in the final have not been revealed yet. The outcome of the other semi-final match will determine which side Sadiku’s team will face in their quest for a historic successive ISL title.

What did AIFF Disciplinary Committee say?

The All India Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee, on Sunday, April 28, 2024, handed out a suspension of two matches, with an additional suspended sentence of another two games to Mohun Bagan Super Giant player Armando Sadiku (jersey No. 99) for violation of Article 51 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2023, during their Indian Super League 2023-24 Match number 135 against Odisha FC played on April 23, 2024, in Bhubaneshwar.

Sadiku has also been sanctioned Rs 50,000 for his current recorded offence.

The MBSG footballer from Albania was found in breach of Article 51 of the Code due to his offensive gestures in the technical area against a match official, following his second yellow card (automatic red) in the 67th minute of the match.

As per the AIFF Disciplinary Committee verdict pronounced on April 28, 2024, Armando Sadiku’s suspension can be read in two parts:

1) An immediate two-match suspension, including the automatic suspension received for two cautions in the match.

2) The player has been put on a probationary period for two years – and if found guilty of another offence during this period – the remaining two-match suspension will come into effect over and above the DC’s verdict of the latest offence at that time.

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