Kolkata: Former Shillong Lajong striker Aser Dipanda Dicka has accused the I-League and the Calcutta Football League (CFL) organisers Saturday stating that he is yet to receive his payments for being the top scorer of both the tournaments last season.
The Cameroonian professional, won the top scorer’s trophy (golden boot) with 11 goals in the I-League and was also the top scorer for Mohammedan Sporting with 12 goals in the CFL told this agency it’s ‘disturbing’ that the country’s premier championship is yet to give him his due.
“I got only the trophy but yet to get the prize money. I contacted my former club (Shillong Lajong) but they said I should speak to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). I told them I was hired by them, they should take up my case,” Dicka who plays for Mohun Bagan in the surrent season said.
“What will I do with the Trophy? I am a professional footballer, and I’m here to play football for my family. It’s really affecting me. I’m disturbed. What’s the motivation left?” Dicka added.
Dicka, who incidentally is leading the chart this season with eight goals to his name is planning to write to AIFF after Bagan’s match against Gokulam Kerala Monday. “It’s kind of frustrating. I’m planning to take up my case with the AIFF after our match against Gokulam,” the forward added.
However, Dicka still hopes that the draw between the top two teams — Neroca FC and Aizawl FC in Imphal Saturday have brightened their prospects. “Definitely we’re there with a chance. We have to get maximum points from our remaining five matches. I think we can do it and reclaim the trophy,” he added.
The 2014-15 regulations mention prize money of Rs 50,000 for the highest scorer of I-League and when contacted, AIFF secretary Kushal Das said, “I am not involved with the matter. Please speak to I-League CEO Sunando Dhar.” Dhar was not available for a comment.
On the other hand Indian Football Association (IFA), the parent body of football in Bengal said that there was no prize money for being the highest scorer in CFL. “There’s some miscommunication going on and as a matter of fact, we are yet to have an awards ceremony,” IFA secretary Utpal Ganguly said when contacted.
In a development after the report was published in some section of the electronic media All India Football Federation (AIFF) said that Dicka will get his money by end of March. “Nobody has got their dues yet and we will make sure they get their amount,” an AIFF official confirmed.
press trust of india
