SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Team Herald
MAPUSA: The two GFA's Under-13 North Goa District play-offs - Dunes Sc vs Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim at Duler Stadium, Mapusa and Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao vs Super Goans FC at Guirim I ground scheduled to be played today in the morning, did not get through as the two Ilhas teams did not report for their respective matches.
The President of Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao, Levino Anthony Pereira, popularly known as Hambo, when contacted, explained the reason for not fielding the team, alleging that at the Managers meeting of Under-13 Division teams, they were told that the Ilhas zone toppers would play against the Bardez Zone toppers. “This was reflected in the draw sent by GFA's general secretary Lector Mascarenhas alongwith the rules which stated that the winners,” he stressed and added that the respective toppers are Clube de Sao Miguel de Taleigao (Ilhas) and Super Goans (Barddez).
The Taleigao club official disclosed that the club had received a letter from GFA on May 12 stating that the North District finals were scheduled on May 15 at Salvador do Mundo ground. However, Levino, pointed out that on May 12 itself, the club had received another letter from GFA saying that the North District match had been postponed due to non-availability of grounds.
Levino expressed his club's shock when on May 22 he received a letter from GFA, after the zonal finals were already played, that the North Goa District play-off will be played between the first team of Ilhas zone and the second team of Bardez Zone and vice-versa on May 24 at Guirim and then followed by the finals to be played on May 26 at Duler stadium, Mapusa at 8 am.
Levino questioned about the fresh dates, with the GFA general secretary telling him that by playing the play-offs, the Under-13 teams would get exposure. "If this is the reason, why was the double-leg not played,” questioned Levino.
When asked why his team did not report today, Levino stated: “Because the GFA's Executive Committee and the Competitions Committee are changing their rules as and how they want”
Levino pointed out that at the Under-18 Division II managers meeting held at the GFA's office, it was decided that one group of North Goa with five teams' league would be played and that one team would qualify for the finals to be played against South Goa team for the championship. “Now, our club's position in the U-18 is second in the group. Accordingly, I sent an email to GFA office, asking as to why the GFA is not playing the play-off matches with the South Goa," stressed Levino. The reply given by GFA to Levino is: “The Executive Committee has taken the decision that only one team qualifies to play against South Goa.”
"Are there two different rules framed for two different age-groups?,” questioned Levino.
When contacted, Babli Mandrekar, GFA’s Deputy Chairman of Competitions (North) categorically stated: “GFA’s Competitions are organized as per the competition rules of official tournaments and decisions taken by the Executive Committee as regards to competitions are final and binding on the teams that take part in the respective competitions, provided these regulations are not in conflict with the official competition rules, the Constitution and other regulations of GFA.”
