AIFF refers ISL racism complaint to disciplinary panel
The AIFF has referred complaints of alleged racist abuse in the Indian Super League to its Disciplinary Committee after Kerala Blasters reported chants aimed at defender Fallou Ndiaye.
The All India Football Federation has referred complaints of alleged racist conduct during the Indian Super League season to its Disciplinary Committee, signalling potential sanctions as clubs and organisers face renewed scrutiny over stadium behaviour.Kerala Blasters triggered the process after reporting that their Senegalese defender Fallou Ndiaye was targeted by racist chants during an away match against Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium on April 11, with videos of the alleged incident circulating on social media.AIFF said: “The All India Football Federation has received certain complaints regarding alleged racist conduct against players during the ongoing Indian Super League 2025-26.“We stand firmly with the players, and every individual who has the right to participate in and enjoy this beautiful game free from discrimination of any kind.”AIFF said: “The AIFF maintains a zero tolerance policy towards racism. The complaints have been referred to the Disciplinary Committee, an independent judicial body, for examination as per the AIFF Disciplinary Code.“The AIFF will refrain from any further comments while the proceedings are ongoing. The Indian football family stands resolutely against racism. Those who bring hatred into our stadiums have no place in our game.”The referral moves the matter into a formal judicial process under the federation’s disciplinary framework, with outcomes that can include fines, stadium measures and other sporting sanctions depending on findings and the code provisions applied.Kerala Blasters said they had raised the issue with league and federation authorities and would pursue action to protect the player and the integrity of the competition.Kerala Blasters said: “The Club has taken note of an appalling incident which has occurred during our last game, where one of our players was subjected to blatant racist chants.“The Club strongly condemns this act and has formally raised this matter with the relevant ISL and AIFF authorities. We will also pursue appropriate action to protect the integrity of our player.”Bengaluru FC also condemned the alleged behaviour and said they were working to identify those responsible.Bengaluru FC said: “We condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. Racism is unacceptable, has no place in our sport, and runs completely counter to the values that this club stands for.“We are working with the relevant authorities to identify the individual involved and will take appropriate action.”The case underlines a growing commercial risk for Indian football as leagues seek higher-value sponsorship and media deals, with brand partners increasingly sensitive to discrimination issues, security protocols and the credibility of enforcement mechanisms.