Pune City coach handed four- match suspension

FC Pune City head coach Ranko Popovic has been suspended for four matches and fined ` 5 lakh for his remarks against match officials after his side’s Indian Super League match against FC Goa at Margao on December 23. Pune won 2- 0.

The suspension will apply with immediate effect.

“The AIFF’s disciplinary committee found FC Pune City coach Popovic in breach of Article 50 ( misconduct against match officials) and Article 58 ( offensive behaviour and fair play) for his remarks made against Match Officials at the post- match press conference in Goa after Match # 31 between FC Goa and FC Pune City,” the ISL said in a statement.

“Mr Ranko Popovic, head coach of FC Pune City is fined ` 5,00,000 and is suspended for four matches of FC Pune City, from the date of this decision. The amount should be deposited to the AIFF within 10 days from the date of communication of this decision and until such payment, the match suspension to continue, over and above 4 match suspension,” said an AIFF disciplinary committee communication to the club.

Pune City FC have collected 12 points from seven matches with four wins and three losses. FC Goa also have 12 points from six matches with four wins and two losses.

The 25- year- old has now set his sights on winning a title on the ATP World tour.

Said Yuki, “The key is to play as much possible and play bigger tournaments. I had a few quarterfinals ( on the ATP World Tour). You have to focus on every match ( to win title) whether it’s an ATP or a Challenger or an ITF Futures. If you ask me whether I am capable of winning an ATP event, I would say yes I am.”

Bhambri broke into top- 100 in 2015 but a spate of injuries have halted his progress further.

He did not play many big events in 2017 but the Delhi youngster ended the year strongly by winning the Pune Challenger.

A lot of hope is pinned on him since winning the junior Australian Open in 2009 and the Orange Bowl in the same year but consistent success at the highest level is yet to arrive.

As the new season begins Monday with the Tata Open Maharashtra in Pune, Bhambri — who has been given a wild card for the event — says he is ready for the leap.