WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Corps of Signals have opted out of the upcoming season of the Goa Football Association Goa Professional League, thus forcing the State association to ring in postponement of the State elite football league which was earlier scheduled for January 16.
It is learnt that Signals withdrew from the competition citing reason of the pandemic which forced the state association to postpone the league in order to restructure the system once again.
“Following the sudden withdrawal of Corps of Signals team from the Selvel Goa Professional League, the Executive Committee decided to postpone it,” stated the State football governing body in a press statement.
“The new tentative date to launch the championship is January 27, 2021,” stated GFA. “With the first two Rounds being postponed, the league will start on 27.01.2021 with the Round 3, Match. No. 13, FC Goa v. Salgaocar FC. The schedule then will follow from Round 3 onwards,” further stated the release.
The Goa Football Association had written to Signals inquiring about their ultimate decision of withdrawal and warning them of the consequences they could face for not participating in the competition. However, the club failed to reply and the state association had to rely on their letter intimating about withdrawal of the team.
GFA accepted their proposal and also intimated the club of facing sanctions and penalties.
“Sanctions for withdrawal as per the league regulations shall be intimated to you,” stated GFA in their letter to the club.
According to the sources, the Goa Football Association have considered on inviting GFA First Division teams of the 2018-19 season, since last season, the first division league couldn’t be played due to the Covid pandemic.
It is given to understand that the State association had written to SCC Cavelossim (since they finished second behind Sesa FA in the 2018-19 Season) but the South Goa team has turned down the offer of joining the big league.
The state association has now written to the third placed team Youth Club of Manora, who have shown keen interest in playing in the Goa Professional League, however, a formal confirmation awaits regarding the same.
