Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs led Mumbai 5s to victory in the inaugural Premier Futsal competition after a penalty shootout win against Kochi 5s.
The final of the tournament turned out to be a rather low-scoring affair, with the score being tied at 1-1 after the fourth quarter as both teams tried to get the measure of each other before committing themselves in attack.
Another trophy added to Ryan Giggs’ cabinet! Well done, Mumbai 5s! #PremierFutsal #NaamHaiFutsal ?? pic.twitter.com/3r6M1kiptE
— Premier Futsal (@PremierFutsalHQ) July 24, 2016
Despite the low score however, the match was not lacking in excitement as we saw a total of 31 shots in the 40 minutes of play. It was former Real Madrid star Michel Salgado’s Kochi who shot into the lead with Moraes tucking the ball into the far post in the first quarter.
Mumbai launched themselves forward in attack after going down 1-0 and constantly kept knocking on the Kochi goal. However, most of their efforts were in vain. After a total of 24 shots, Mumbai finally managed to get back into the game as Angellot equalised in the fourth quarter.
With the score tied at 1-1, the match went to penalties. The penalty shootout in Premier Futsal was a little different, as the strikers were allowed to take as many shots as they could within a timespan of five seconds.
Incidentally, both Giggs and Salgado missed their respective penalties, but Mumbai eventually won 3-2 after Kochi goalkeeper Casalone missed the penalty.
The moment when history was created.
Congratulations, Mumbai 5s. #NaamHaiFutsal pic.twitter.com/WybsmqS824
— Premier Futsal (@PremierFutsalHQ) July 24, 2016
FC Goa could face double charges
The offenders of the 2015 Indian Super League (ISL) could face double charges from both the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the ISL disciplinary committee.
The Gaurs failed to turn up at the ISL final award distribution ceremony after an altercation between champions Chennaiyin FC marquee player Elano Blumer and FC Goa co-owner Duttaraj Salgaocar. While the two parties have exchanged official apologies, they will still face disciplinary action.
Goa, who appealed about double jeopardy in the case, felt that they should not be punished twice for the same offence. However, both the ISL and the AIFF are entitled to take separate actions against the franchise.
“Not only does ISL have the right to frame its own rules for the league and deal with related issues, including disciplinary issues, but in fact the AIFF has required ISL to regulate and sanction disciplinary issues,” said former Bombay High Court Chief Justice Kshitij Vyas, in a 21-page order, according to The Times of India. “It is also clear that the ISL and AIFF can take parallel action and impose sanctions independently.”
Chennaiyin FC sign Eder Monterio and Pawan Kumar
#ICYMI We welcome back Eder & Pawan, both playing an integral part in our team defense! pic.twitter.com/88vrSz5Vfi
— Chennaiyin FC (@ChennaiyinFC) July 25, 2016
ISL champions Chennaiyin FC have further strengthened their squad by retaining Brazilian defender Eder Monterio and Indian goalkeeper Pawan Kumar on Sunday.
“Although Eder didn’t get to play much last year he had a positive influence in the dressing room and we hope to have him at his best this year,” said Chennaiyin head coach and Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi in a press release. “Pawan is a great lad and team player. We are happy to have him back.”
Eder has joined Chennaiyin on a free transfer after a successful stint with Salgaocar FC in the I-League. Meanwhile, Pawan Kumar, who had joined Chennaiyin on loan from I-League club Mumbai FC last season, has made his deal with the Super Machans permanent.
Aston Villa looking to set up youth academy in India
Dr. Tony Jiantong Xia, the CEO of Recon Group that owns English Championship club Aston Villa, met with Indian Minister of Human Resources Prakash Javadekar and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel on Sunday, to discuss the possibility of setting up a youth academy in the country.
Good meeting with minister @PrakashJavdekar about football curriculum & Villa academy in India.@AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/dsdWkJ1oZ3
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) July 23, 2016
According to Goal.com, the Chinese businessman is also looking to buy a franchise in the ISL as he believes that the tournament has a lot of potential in the country. Dr. Xia plans to build a football empire based on the same model as Manchester City, who have sister clubs all over the world — New York City FC in USA, Melbourne City FC in Australia, and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.
Hope next season make a tour with @AVLFCOfficial to China &India where can see lady football booming https://t.co/v94YJLpQgA
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) July 23, 2016
The Chinese businessman also discussed the possibility of bringing the Aston Villa squad to India and China for their pre-season tours, as early as next summer.
