IFA lifts ban on Chima Okerie

The Indian Football Association on Saturday lifted the two-year ban on star Nigerian striker Chima Okerie at its governing body meeting in Calcutta, allowing the footballer to return to the mainstream.

The governing body discussed the issue before taking the unanimous decision to lift the ban on the player who had appealed to the decision-making body to cut short his suspension.

"We discussed the matter and the members felt the ban could be lifted since he was repentant about what he had done. It was a unanimous decision," IFA joint secretary Ranjit Gupta said.

The ageing Mohun Bagan striker, whose suspension was due to end on September 30 this year, has, however, been warned not to repeat the mistake in future.

Okerie had appealed to the IFA authorities through a letter to lift the ban so that he could return to football which, he said is his main profession. His letter was the main agenda of the meeting.

Okerie had even volunteered to appear before the IFA governing body members to impress upon the decision-making body to put an end to the suspension.

The Bagan striker was slapped with a two-year ban and imposed a fine of Rs 300,000 for manhandling a referee during a Super Division League match against East Bengal two years ago.

The lifting of the ban paves the way for the burly Nigerian to return to mainstream football ahead of the ensuing Super Division League.

"He is now eligible to play for any club, anywhere in the country or abroad. It is for him to decide where he wants to play," Gupta said.

But with age catching up with him, signing for a big club could be a difficult task for Okerie who has plans of setting up a football academy in the city.

Mohun Bagan are no longer keen to retain the services of the Nigerian while Tollygunge Aggragami, after showing interest in the initial stages, seemed to have backed out considering the huge fees he is asking for.