‘Pathetic’: how Kerala men’s walk-off brought their women’s team to a halt

Hefty fine imposed on Indian club for forfeiting a playoff game came at a price for their women’s side and has sparked anger

On 3 March, Kerala Blasters’ men’s team walked off during an Indian Super League playoff and did not come back. If that was shocking, it was nothing compared with what happened next. Kerala were hit with a hefty fine and, in response, cancelled their women’s team in June to general incredulity and anger. What happened on the pitch was clear for all to see, though there is some disagreement as to why and, just as importantly, when the big decision was made.

It all started near the end of the playoff between Bengaluru and Kerala with a place in the championship semi-finals at stake. Seven minutes into extra time, Sunil Chhetri, the third-highest active international goalscorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, chipped in a free-kick for Bengaluru when the Blasters were still getting ready.

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