Team Herald
PANJIM: It seemed as a great victory for the Goa Football Association after the apex court set aside the election of Praful Patel as the All India Football Federation president.
GFA president Elvis Gomes said, “We can say that we are vindicated. We are happy to announce that the illegal federation which was set up has been pushed aside by the court.”
“Today, the court has set aside the election of Praful Patel as the chief by citing it as a complete violation of the sports code,” he added.
It could be recollected that GFA had earlier petitioned the Returning Officer Justice B.C. Kandpal (Retired), pointing out how there were major diversions in the AIFF election procedures from the model election guidelines.
“As per the Sports Code, each candidate had to be nominated by one member association and seconded by one member association. But they complicated the procedure wherein the AIFF electoral process had each candidate nominated by five member associations. And that wasn’t possible in two days. They knew it very well and this is how they kept us out,” explained Elvis.
That was the first time AIFF had not given the representation to GFA.
“We had protested and put forth our petition against them in the Delhi high court. The court had given the stay but later it moved in their favour. But the case was on,” said the GFA chief.
Elvis complained that the State was discriminated by the present federation in all aspects.
“And the problem is, it’s a common man’s game and the common man plays it on the field and behind that, there is too much of suit-boot culture that has crept in,” explained Elvis stating various incidences which went against the State football governing body due the bias nature of the National football federation.
The Court has asked to have fresh elections within five months.
“I hope now at least things will change,” Elvis concluded.
