New Delhi: In an unprecedented move, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed heavy fines on ten of its Pailan Arrows footballers for serious breach of discipline.
In letters issued on Wednesday, three players were asked to deposit 50 per cent of a month's salary with immediate effect, while others were fined 10 to 25 per cent of their monthly remuneration.
The players those were fined ' except one ' have already deposited the money to the team management. The footballer, who is yet to pay the fine, did not play on Friday's I-League match against Pune FC at the Salt Lake Stadium and is likely to be sidelined till he abides by the AIFF's decision.
Alwyn George, a member of the senior national squad during the last Nehru Cup, too falls in the list and is considered one of India's brightest prospects.
Meanwhile, the list also features two other players who have played for India Under-22 and Under-23 teams.
According to sources, the players were fined for different reasons.
While a few were pulled up for repeatedly reporting late for practice sessions, others earned the wrath of the team management for regularly staying out of the team hostel till the wee hours of the morning.
At least one footballer, the source claimed, was found in the company of a woman during an outstation I-League game.
"Action against these players was taken after it was recommended by our Australian coach, Arthur Papas," an official said on Friday. "The coach is a strict disciplinarian and would not tolerate any nonsense," he added.
When contacted, a senior AIFF official admitted 10 players had been fined.
"We have decided not to tolerate any indiscipline," he said.
"Arrows are not like any other club. It's a developmental team….We take care of their stay, food and give them monthly salaries. The boys have to understand that this team is more like an academy," he added.
Last year also there were some complaints against Arrows players and three of them were taken to task. One of the goalkeepers was also accused of picking up a fight with hostel staff.
The fined players are: Akashdeep Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Shilton D'Silva, Prathamesh Maulingker, Siam Hangal, Alwyn, Jayabrata Dhar, Shehnaz Singh, Ravinder Singh and Sayan Roy.
Other reports: Pg 17