PANJIM: AIFF's "stubborn" attitude has not only brought Goa’s reign and dominance to an end at the national level but has also narrowed down Goa’s talented players’ prospects. After the withdrawal of Dempo SC, Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa in the 2016-17 season, Goan clubs will soon be a part of history at the national platform with the State’s last hope -- Churchill Brothers FC -- also losing their interest in the I-League over All India Football Federation’s approach towards the National football roadmap.

The recently concluded I-League season is a perfect example as we found a few standouts as compared to the good old days wherein every I-League clubs featured at least 3 to 4 Goan stars.

It’s even worse when the National team squad is considered. There isn’t a single Goan player in the AIFF academy, while the National side too features few Goans as compared to the past.

With the Goa Football Association’s effort to revive the Goan football through its domestic leagues, the players might get playing time, but what about their wages? The Goan clubs have dropped players’ wages for non- participation in the national league.

Reputed players might be lucky to get I-League or ISL clubs but the young talent will be lost in the world of agents. With excess of players without clubs, the pay scale and demand for the Goan footballers will surely take a toll.