Sportstar·India·Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 08:59 AM UTC

FC Goa writes to AIFF, ISL Committee about refereeing concerns after controversial loss vs Bengaluru

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FC Goa (in orange) was level until the end of regulation time when a stoppage-time winner handed it a 1-2 defeat at home against Bengaluru FC. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

FC Goa (in orange) was level until the end of regulation time when a stoppage-time winner handed it a 1-2 defeat at home against Bengaluru FC. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

FC Goa has written to the AIFF Referees’ Department, the AIFF Secretariat and the league to raise its concerns about the standard of refereeing across the league this season, the club said on social media on Saturday.

The statement comes a night after controversial decisions by referee Pratik Mondal saw the Gaurs lose 1-2 to Bengaluru FC at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Friday.

“FC Goa recognises that refereeing is a demanding job and that officials are human. However, the club believes that “decisions even out over a season” cannot be the standard Indian football sets for itself. The credibility of the league rests on many things, and officials getting the basics right is one of them,” the club said.

FC Goa was left fuming over refereeing calls against Bengaluru FC, especially in second-half stoppage time when its penalty call was waved off shortly after, and the visiting side scored the winner, off Soham Varshneya.

In the second minute of stoppage time, FC Goa appealed for a penalty after Ricky Meetei brought down KC Malsawmasanga. The referee did not point to the spot as Chinglensana Singh – of Bengaluru – cleared the ball out of play.

Instead of awarding the throw-in to Goa, Mondal allowed the Blues to take the throw-in, which eventually built up to the winning goal.

The Gaurs, in their letter, added: “In its letter, the club has called for:

Greater transparency and accountability when errors are made
Clarity on how officials are appointed and assessed
The return of structured, regular dialogue between clubs and the Referees’ Department
Stronger mentoring and development for officials new to the league

“This is not an issue for FC Goa alone. It affects every club, every player and every fan who wants to see Indian football taken seriously.”

FC Goa has one win in its four matches so far, against bottom-placed Inter Kashi, and will play against NorthEast United after the international break, on November 21.

Published on Nov 07, 2026

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