New Delhi, Aug 6 - All India Football Federation (AIFF) stand-in president Praful Patel Thursday promised to try and assuage the feeling of 'hurt and humiliation' of the nine surviving members of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic squad who refused to accept the federation's 'meagre' grant of Rs.25,000 each.
Patel told IANS Thursday that he has taken note of the grievances of the Olympians who were part of the team that finished fourth in Melbourne.
'I will look into it personally,' Patel said.
AIFF secretary-general Alberto Coalco said the quatum of money was decided by the executive committee and the matter will go back to it for reconsideration.
Samar 'Badru' Banerjee, the captain of the 1956 squad, dashed off a strongly-worded letter to Coalco, refusing to accept the cheques.