FC Goa have formally approached the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over controversial refereeing decisions following their first defeat of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season against Bengaluru FC.
The Gaurs suffered a frustrating loss on Friday, with several decisions during the closing stages raising serious questions about the standard of officiating.
FC Goa captain Sandesh Jhingan publicly expressed his disappointment after the match, while the club subsequently submitted an official complaint to the AIFF Referees’ Department, AIFF Secretariat and league authorities.
The club clarified that its concerns were “not about any single decision or result”, highlighting wider issues involving refereeing consistency, accountability and the development of match officials.
Controversial Decisions Spark FC Goa Protest
The biggest controversy surrounded Bengaluru FC’s winning goal, scored by Soham Varshneya in the 90+3rd minute.
The goal followed a disputed throw-in decision, with replays suggesting the ball had last touched a Bengaluru player. However, the officials awarded the restart to Bengaluru, allowing the move that eventually produced the decisive goal.
Another contentious incident occurred deep into stoppage time when FC Goa’s Malsawmsanga went down inside Bengaluru’s penalty area following a challenge from Rickey Meetei.
Referee Pratik Mondal dismissed the penalty appeal and instead booked Malsawmsanga, adding to Goa’s frustration.
FC Goa Demand Greater Refereeing Accountability
Through their formal communication, FC Goa have urged the AIFF to introduce meaningful changes rather than simply reviewing individual incidents.
The club wants greater transparency regarding refereeing mistakes, including explanations of how controversial decisions are assessed and whether corrective measures are taken.
It has also questioned the lack of clarity surrounding referee appointments and performance evaluations.
Additionally, Goa have called for regular communication between clubs and refereeing authorities, alongside improved training and mentoring programmes for officials entering the top division.
The club stressed its willingness to cooperate with the AIFF and other stakeholders to improve officiating standards.
Refereeing controversies have affected other ISL clubs as well. Mohun Bagan Super Giant recently faced a disputed penalty decision against Odisha FC, while Goa previously raised similar concerns in January 2022.
The AIFF had acknowledged refereeing problems as early as 2020, but questions surrounding consistency and accountability remain.
With concerns continuing across Indian football, FC Goa’s latest complaint has increased pressure on the governing body to deliver practical solutions.
Improved referee development, transparent assessments and a possible phased introduction of video review could form part of future reforms.
The focus now shifts to the AIFF and whether it will respond with concrete measures to address the concerns raised by the Gaurs.
