ISL 2017-18: FC Pune City coach Ranko Popovic suspended by tournament authorities ahead of semifinal

All India Football Federation Disciplinary Committee have suspended FC Pune City head coach Ranko Popovic with immediate effect pending further inquiry.

ISL Disciplinary Committee Chairman Ushanath Banerjee, while reviewing the latest public comments made by coach Ranko Popovic against Referee and Match Officials, issued the sanction order.

In a communication to the club, Chairman Banerjee stated : “Having considered the utterances against the decisions of the Referee and the Match Officials, it prima facie appears that Mr. Ranko Popovic has breached the Disciplinary Code and the Law of Game with impunity amounting to gross misconduct.

On earlier occasion, Mr. Popovic was held guilty of abusing and insulting Match Officials and was imposed with sanctions. Even thereafter, he continued with his obdurate acts resulting warning. The instant subject matters are thus 3rd instance of breach.

Accordingly, issue Show Cause Notice for repeat breaches and he is to reply within 9/3/2018 and appear for hearing before the Committee on 16th March 2018 at Football House, Delhi. In the meanwhile pending final decision of the Committee, Mr Ranko Popovic is to remain suspended under Article 21 and 22 of the Code.”