FC GOA players paused play during the opening seconds of their AFC Champions League Two match against FC Istiklol of Tajikistan here on Wednesday as a symbolic gesture to highlight theuncertaintyin theIndian Super League (ISL). FC Goa, who are already out of reckoning for thenext stage,lost thematch 1-2 to end their campaign with six defeats in six games.

 

“At the start of our AFC Champions League Two match, FC Goa’s players briefly paused activeplay for the opening seconds as a symbolic gesture to highlight the uncertainty currently affecting Indian football,” the Goan club said on their ‘X’ page. “This action was solely intended to draw attention to the broader challenges facing the domestic football ecosystem.

 

It was not directed at our opponents FC Istiklol, the AFC, or the AFC Champions League Two, all of whom we respect greatly.“The gesture carried no element of protest against the competition or its stakeholders and was made in good faith, without any intent to cause offence or disruption.” Under the supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed committee, atender was floated for ISL’s commercial rights but there was no taker.