The Hindu : Sport / Football : Cristiano's death: AIFF promises stern action

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004

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Cristiano's death: AIFF promises stern action

KOLKATA, DEC. 7. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday promised stern action if it was found that lapses led to the death of Dempo striker Cristiano Junior.

Expressing shock and grief over the tragic death of Junior, AIFF President, Priyaranjan Dasmunshi, said the federation was determined to take ``firm and appropriate action, if any lapses are detected on the part of any officials, hospital management etc.''

He said a competent committee, if required, might be constituted to enquire into the incident.

The AIFF Secretary has been asked to collect documents like the reports by the Match Commissioner, referee, Medical Committee, attending doctor and the City Police Commissioner. Post mortem report, statement by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Paul and the team's manager and coach will also be collected, Dasmunshi said.

The AIFF chief was critical of the Match Referee for being very casual about the incident.

``The Referee's report should have been more appropriate in details. But he mentioned it as a routine incident,'' Dasmunshi said.

The AIFF president said the Federation might consider appropriate investigation by any competent agency, including football's world governing body FIFA, after collecting all relevant documents.

He, however, urged all not to indulge in any blame game before ascertaining the reasons of the episode.

Junior Memorial Award

The AIFF has also decided to institute a `Junior Memorial Award', which would be presented to the outstanding footballer in the Federation Cup every year.

The federation has also decided to immediately contribute Rs. 3 lakhs to the family of Junior and also appealed to all the State associations to contribute to the welfare fund, which would be given to Junior's family before the National Football League. — PTI

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