After yesterday's match against Mumbai FC, reports quoted Papas as saying, "We don't want to play the next match."
"All India Football Federation is in possession of the audio of the press conference and hence, takes strong exception to such reports as Mr. Papas never made any such comment in the post match press conference which was conducted after Pailan Arrows' match against Mumbai FC at the Federation Cup in Jamshedpur on Friday, September 21, 2012," the AIFF said in a statement.
It further said, "Pailan Arrows have every intention of playing the final Group League match on September 23 (against Shillong Lajong FC) in order to try and proceed to the semifinals."
Papas said he had talked to his club chairman and apprised him of the situation.
Asked whether he would field his team in the next match, if the ground situation did not improve, Papas said, "We will think as we have time to see if the field condition improves."
"Certainly, I am more concerned about the safety of my players and would not allow them to play," he told reporters yesterday.
The AIFF has copped a lot of flak for the way the tournament is being organised. (MORE)
